Prospects for bilateral economic cooperation and opportunities for implementing large-scale investment projects were the central theme during a Bulgarian delegation's visit to Beijing. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Pulev, who is leading the country's representatives at the Nineteenth Session of the Bulgaria-China Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, held a key meeting with Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China.
Ding Xuexiang described the current period as an excellent opportunity for a mutually beneficial partnership, highlighting our country as a strategically important partner for China in Southeast Europe. He expressed his strong support for the Bulgarian government's ambitious plans to attract investment interest in high-value-added sectors. For his part, Alexander Pulev emphasized the significant potential for development: "We have a strong political will to open a new page in bilateral relations with China. We have a golden window of opportunity for new prospects and the practical development of relations between the two countries."
The discussions outlined priority areas for future cooperation, with a special emphasis on the production of electric vehicles and associated technologies. The main sectors discussed include:
- Automotive industry (with a focus on electromobility);
- Energy;
- High technologies;
- Industrial cooperation;
- Decarbonization.
Regarding the priority of attracting investment in electromobility, Pulev stated: "Interaction and attracting investment in the field of electric vehicles is key. Bulgaria is open to investments that create new jobs, bring high added value, and provide technology transfer." The dialogue builds on the sustainable development of relations, dating back to the establishment of the strategic partnership during President Rumen Radev's visit to China in 2019. According to Pulev, under the leadership of the two countries, the partnership has reached a new level that requires a focus on concrete economic goals.
With a view to deepening ties, the two deputy prime ministers committed to turning political dialogue into real business projects. During his visit to China, Pulev and Ding Xuexiang jointly officiated the opening of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). The forum is an established platform for logistics, tourism, financial services, digitalization, and technology, and Bulgaria's participation was highly valued by the Chinese side as an important step for economic integration.
The working meeting was also attended by Minister of Tourism Ilin Dimitrov, along with deputy ministers of economy, investments and industry, energy, agriculture, and regional development. In the words of Minister Pulev: "Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, our relations have been elevated to a new level. Today, we have a clear focus on deepening cooperation and concrete investment opportunities."