site.btaBulgaria, China Discuss Ways to Boost Economic Ties at Commission Meeting

Opportunities to boost trade between Bulgaria and China, including larger Bulgarian exports to the Chinese market, were discussed Tuesday at the 18th session of the Bulgarian-Chinese Intergovernmental Mixed Commission on Economic Cooperation, the Ministry of Economy and Industry said. The session in Sofia was co-chaired by Bulgaria's Economy and Industry Minister Peter Dilov and China's Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji.

This was the Commission's first session after a five-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Economy Minister Doncho Barbalov, officials from ministries and agencies, representatives of the National Company Industrial Zones and experts also took part.

Talks covered key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, transport and connectivity, infrastructure, agriculture and food, environmental protection, energy and tourism.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to balancing and diversifying bilateral trade by boosting Bulgarian exports of agricultural and food products, essential oils, wines and high-tech goods. The importance of attracting Chinese investment in high value-added sectors was also emphasized, including through the promotion of Bulgaria's industrial zones.

Peter Dilov stressed that Bulgaria's economy is supported by a stable macroeconomic policy aimed at creating a positive business environment that attracts both domestic and foreign investment.

"We view the development of bilateral trade and economic relations in the context of Bulgaria's full EU and Schengen membership," Dilov said. He added that joining Schengen in 2024 had strengthened confidence in the economy and established Bulgaria as a reliable partner, while entry in the eurozone in 2026 would bring greater stability, lower transaction costs and stronger business integration. Progress toward OECD membership will also provide access to best international practices, encourage investment and accelerate reforms, he said.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the agreements reached, stressing that the successful session laid a solid foundation for concrete results in the near future that will deepen economic partnership between Bulgaria and China.