site.btaParliament Chair Tsacheva Confers with Japan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Association President Koichi Kishi

Parliament Chair Tsacheva Confers with Japan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Association President Koichi Kishi

Sofia, October 14 (BTA) - Parliament Chair Tsetska Tsacheva conferred here on Wednesday with the President of the Japan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Association, Koichi Kishi, who is heading a delegation to Bulgaria, the National Assembly said in a press release. Among the topics discussed were the strengthening of economic contacts between the two countries and increasing the scope of Japanese investments in Bulgaria.

There is a very good foundation present, along with significant potential for enhancing economic contacts, Tsacheva noted. According to her, the good bilateral relations will help deepen partnership between the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Bulgarian-Japanese business forum for SMEs, which Koichi Kishi opened on Tuesday, was described as a stimulus in that direction.

Tsacheva assured the guest that as part of the EU, Bulgaria has always backed positions which would result in reinforcing the strategic cooperation between the EU and Japan.

The two voiced hope that the recently negotiated and signed Strategic Partnership Agreement and Free Trade Agreement, between Japan and the EU, will activate bilateral trade between the two countries.

Cooperation in the fields of culture and education was also on the meeting's agenda. According to Tsacheva, the better awareness of cultures and traditions between the two countries will help develop tourism.