The prospects for the Bulgarian economy and the potential for attracting Chinese investment are the main focus of an official visit to Beijing. The Chinese capital is hosting the 19th session of the Bulgaria-China Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation. The event is attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Alexander Pulev, as well as Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, as reported by the press offices of the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Industry and the Ministry of Tourism.
The automotive sector has been highlighted as a key focus of the Bulgarian participation, as it holds strategic importance for our country:
- Provides employment to nearly 85,000 people;
- Includes over 380 companies and 38 research and development centers;
- Contributes over 10 percent to the gross domestic product.
Alexander Pulev, who leads the official Bulgarian delegation and chairs the Bulgarian side of the Joint Commission, emphasized the significance of the forum. "After the eighteenth session was held in Sofia last year, we are now continuing the conversation in Beijing with a specific focus on industrial cooperation, the automotive industry, decarbonization, and green technologies," he commented. The Minister added that our country strives to attract new technologies and open up opportunities for local companies in the automotive ecosystem, alongside discussions on partnerships in the fields of energy, transport, innovation, agriculture, and the environment.
During the visit, Minister of Tourism Ilin Dimitrov plans a meeting with the Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli. The two will explore ways to establish Bulgaria as an attractive destination, taking advantage of the large but still underutilized potential of the Chinese market. Data for the sector is impressive: in 2025, China welcomed over 68 million international visitors, with foreign spending reaching $135 billion. Expectations for 2026 are for China to once again be a leading market for outbound tourism, with spending by Chinese citizens abroad reaching nearly $280 billion.
Diplomatic activity is intense, as earlier this week Alexander Pulev also discussed opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation with China's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Dai Qingli. The dialogue noted increased interest from Chinese companies in Bulgaria, as well as a readiness to increase Bulgarian exports and implement joint projects.