site.btaEconomic Minister, Japanese Counterpart Discuss Cooperation in Innovations, Digitization and IT

Meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday, Bulgarian Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov and Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura discussed new key priorities in relations between Bulgaria and Japan in the coming years, the Bulgarian Economy and Industry Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

"These 50 years of cooperation between LB Bulgaricum and Meiji have proved that relations between the two countries are at a very high level. We setting ourselves even more ambitious goals and are already looking towards the next 50 years during which key sectors for cooperation should be innovations, digitization and IT and communication technology”, said Bogdanov at the meeting at the Japanese ministry. 

Bogdanov underscored that Bulgaria is becoming an innovation hub in Europe and has implemented projects at a world level related to R&D centres, robotics, super computers and satellite constellations. "We are looking for ways to cooperate with Japanese companies in these areas," said Bogdanov. 

Also, the two discussed national and regional projects related to infrastructure, nuclear energy and RES in which Japanese companies are interested. "Bulgaria has an important role in the development of key projects for the region," said Bogdanov. He invited Minister Nishimura and the Japanese Business Federation Keidanren to visit Bulgaria and get familiar with investment prospects. 

During his visit Minister Bogdanov visited the Japanese Institute RIKEN, which in September signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Bulgarian Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology. With the leadership of the Japanese institute were mapped out the prospects for cooperation and exchange between Bulgarian and Japanese scientists and students.

Within the framework of his working visit to Japan, Bogdanov met with Japan Bank for International Cooperation Governor (JBIC) - Nobumitsu Hayashi. The two discussed prospects for investments in infrastructure projects in Bulgaria. „Bulgaria links countries from the European Union and Asia," said Bogdanov. For his part Hayashi commended investment prospects in Bulgaria which will improve connectivity in the region. According to him, the Japanese business can have a leading role in the development of important projects at a regional and a national level. On the agenda were partnerships in the development of industrial zones in Bulgaria.