site.btaPresident Radev: Japan is Bulgaria's Key Partner in Eastern Asia

February 5 (BTA) - Japan is Bulgaria's key partner in
Eastern Asia, not only by way of economic and trade cooperation,
 but most of all for the opportunities it represents: we have
already attracted Japanese investment, and we are glad that they
 are in the high technology and other sectors with high added
value. This was the message of President Rumen Radev on
Wednesday in his office during a meeting with representatives of
 leading Japanese corporations and Bulgarian businessmen.

The main topic on the agenda was the opportunities for expanding
 the investment cooperation between the two countries.

President Radev invited the Japanese businessmen to draw on the
experience of Japanese companies who have already invested in
Bulgaria, and see for themselves that this country does provide
excellent business conditions: a strategic location, economic
opportunities, a motivated young workforce. Radev also invited
the Bulgarian businessmen at the meeting to make the most of
this unique opportunity to cooperate with Japanese companies and
 corporations whose annual turnover exceeds 390 billion dollars.

Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov pointed out that Japan is a
 pillar of stability for Bulgaria in Eastern Asia, and that
Bulgaria has become a pillar of stability on the Balkans over
the recent years. He also praised Bulgaria's macroeconomic and
financial stability. According to Karanikolov, this country's
main advantages are the low taxes and operation costs, the
qualified workforce, and the legislature encouraging
investments.

Petar Kunev, chair of the economic policy and tourism committee
in Parliament, pointed out that the exchange of goods between
Bulgaria and Japan does not correspond to the economic potential
 of the two countries, and it could be developed further,
especially in the tourism sector.

Japan's Ambassador to Bulgaria Masato Watanabe said that the
business relations between Japan and Bulgaria not only generate
profit for the companies of both countries, but also have the
potential to grow beyond their borders. According to him,
Bulgaria is considered a valuable business hub and access point
by Japanese companies who are opening trade channels to the
Western Balkans and the EU. RY/MT

/МТ/