Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev held a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, H.E. Chikahisa Sumi, at the Ministry of Finance, the ministry announced. Both parties discussed opportunities for attracting Japanese investment to Bulgaria, with a focus on infrastructure projects.
"Japan is a strategic partner for Bulgaria, and strengthening our nearly 120-year bilateral cooperation is an ambition and a key goal for the country," stated Galab Donev. During the talks, the interest in expanding trade and economic ties was reaffirmed.
"The two countries are developing their cooperation through electronics, artificial intelligence, and high technologies. It is Bulgaria's desire and ambition to see even more Japanese investment because we have competitive advantages among the countries of Southeast Europe, not only in terms of resources but also in terms of human capital," the Finance Minister added.
Ambassador Sumi emphasized Bulgaria's role as an external border of the EU and offered expertise for infrastructure development. "Bulgaria is the gateway to Europe, and Japan can help strengthen its connectivity to the continent. We have the desire and ambition to contribute by developing important infrastructure projects using Japanese technology. We have the know-how and necessary expertise for building bridges and renovating roads. We would be very grateful if we had the opportunity to apply them in Bulgaria," the diplomat commented.
Minister Donev pointed to public-private partnerships as a tool for reducing the budget deficit. He expressed the state's intention to build upon the commitments made during President Rumen Radev's visit to Japan in 2025, when a declaration for a strategic partnership was signed.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance Metodi Metodiev, Hideaki Machida, Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission, Mitsuru Horinouchi, First Secretary and Head of the Economic Section, and Ryotaro Hashiguchi, Third Secretary and Head of the Cultural and Information Section, the statement noted.