During its visit to China, the delegation of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in which the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) also participates, visited The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Beijing. The purpose of the working visit was to discuss key issues related to the development of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and China, as well as to look for new opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

Highlights of Discussions at The Embassy

During the meeting, H.E. Andrey Tekhov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to China, emphasized the symbolic importance of 2024, when it is celebrated The 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China. He recalled that Bulgaria was among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1949, and since then relations between the two countries have continued to develop actively and steadily.

Ambassador Tehov gave a brief overview of the state of bilateral relations, emphasizing the fact that there are currently no significant obstacles to expanding cooperation in various sectors. He expressed confidence that Bulgaria and China can deepen their partnership by focusing on strategic areas such as infrastructure, green energy, agriculture and high technology.

Particular attention was paid to initiatives such as "One Belt, One Road" and „16+1“, in which Bulgaria actively participates. Ambassador Tehov pointed out that our country should continue to strive for concrete economic results from these initiatives, emphasizing practical benefits and bilateral projects.

Development of Trade Relations and Future Initiatives

One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the trade imbalance between Bulgaria and China, which is characteristic not only of Bulgaria, but also of many other countries of the European Union. Ambassador Tehov proposed specific measures to overcome this imbalance, such as the active participation of Bulgaria in major trade shows in China and development of new export strategies. He noted that the presence of Bulgarian companies at international forums such as those in Shanghai and Guangzhou could increase the visibility of Bulgarian business and create more opportunities to attract Chinese partners.

Particular importance was attached to the upcoming one The 18th session of the Bulgarian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation, which will be held in 2025 in Sofia. This committee is a platform for discussing specific economic projects and initiatives, and a business forum is also expected to be organized where representatives of various industries will have the opportunity to create new partnerships.

Other key topics touched upon during the meeting included logistical challenges such as the lack of a direct plane connection between Bulgaria and China and the possibilities of introducing visa-free regime for short-term visits in order to facilitate business contacts. These steps can significantly improve trade exchanges and facilitate the access of Bulgarian businesses to the Chinese market.

The Contribution of RCCI and The Presentation of New Opportunities for Cooperation

The representative of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Stela Dionisieva, presented to the meeting participants the possibilities for attracting Chinese investments in the Ruse region. She emphasized that Ruse is a strategic industrial center with a developed transport corridor that connects Bulgaria and Romania, and can be a key point for cooperation in areas such as industrial automation, green technologies and infrastructure.

Mrs. Dionisieva emphasized the readiness of RCCI to assist Bulgarian and Chinese companies in the organization of joint projects and exchange of experience within the framework of various international initiatives.

The role of the BCCI in the development of bilateral relations

The chairman of BCCI, Tsvetan Simeonov, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome at the embassy and shared his views on the future of Bulgarian-Chinese economic relations. He stressed the importance of the creation of joint ventures and the stimulation of participation of Bulgarian companies in Chinese exhibitions, which can increase trade opportunities and create new economic partnerships.

Simeonov also noted the successful organization of training seminars for Bulgarian business representatives in China, who play a key role in the development of contacts between the two countries. This year's delegation included representatives from various sectors, indicating an interest in diversity in economic relationships and potential for future cooperation across a wide range of industries.

Participation in the International Investment and Trade Fair in Xiamen

The program of the Bulgarian delegation also included a visit to The 24th edition of the International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), which took place in Xiamen city in the period September 8-11, 2024. This event organized by Ministry of Commerce of China, is one of the most significant international exhibitions aimed at stimulating global investment and economic cooperation.

Although Bulgaria was not represented as an exhibitor at the fair, the delegation's participation provided an opportunity to create new business contacts and gather useful information about potential markets and investment opportunities. Countries like Hungary, Spain and Portugal had their own representative stands, with Hungary being an honorary participating country.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is ready to assist its members in participating in future exhibitions and forums in China by providing information and conditions for participation in such large-scale international events.

Conclusion and Perspectives

The visit of the Bulgarian delegation to China is an important step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties and expanding opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors. The strong political support from both sides, combined with the readiness for pragmatic cooperation, creates a good basis for future successes in Bulgarian-Chinese relations.

For more information and news about the delegation's visit, follow the RCCI website.