site.btaPM Borissov Confers with Chinese Agriculture Minister Han Changfu

Sofia, May 28 (BTA) - Deepening cooperation in the agriculture sector was the main topic discussed between Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu, the Government's press service reported Monday.

Developing partnership in the sector will be among the highlights during the upcoming meeting between leaders of Central and Eastern European countries and China, also known as the "16+1" summit, which will be held in Sofia at the beginning of July. Borissov and Han Changfu concurred that bilateral relations in agriculture have become more active in recent years, voicing their expectations that the upcoming summit in Sofia will lead to specific agreements. Borissov gave as an example of closer cooperation the protocol of cooperation in agriculture, signed last year between the Bulgarian Agriculture Ministry and the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

"Your good relations with China's President and Premier contribute to the development of bilateral relations," Minister Han Changfu noted, voicing hope that the Bulgarian Government will continue to stimulate projects under the 16+1 initiative.

Borissov has thanked the Minister for the Chinese authorities' help with organizing the search and rescue mission for Bulgarian mountaineer Boyan Petrov, who was reported missing in the Himalayas at the beginning of May.

Bulgarian Agriculture, Food and Forests Minister Roumen Porozhanov and Minister Han Changfu opened on Monday a contact office of the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association in the southern city of Plovdiv, Porozhanov's Ministry reported. The office will service the logistical centre and E-commerce pavilion for agricultural and other products in countries part of the 16+1 initiative.
The platform allows for e-commerce between China, Central and Eastern European countries and the Western Balkans, as well as connectivity between legal entities and governments.

During the opening, the Chinese Minister stressed the high quality of Bulgarian wines. According to him, Bulgaria could export vine seedlings in addition to wines.

Bulgaria offers wonderful products, which will now have an even better access to the Chinese market, Porozhanov noted.