Bulgaria and Japan: New Horizons for Economic Partnership

A large-scale Bulgarian-Japanese business forum, focused on infrastructure, energy, and digital transformations, was held in the capital with the participation of leading representatives from both countries. The event, jointly organized by the Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), marked the beginning of a new stage in interstate economic relations.

The potential of Bulgaria as an innovative and technologically developing partner was at the center of the discussions. Vice Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev emphasized the country's significant economic progress, highlighting the fourfold increase in gross domestic product after joining the European Union.

A key moment of the forum was the signing of two strategic documents. The first - a Joint Statement between Donchev and the Japanese Deputy Minister Kato, outlined specific areas for cooperation, including energy transformation, innovation, and digital connectivity.

The Japanese side demonstrated exceptional interest in introducing modern technologies in Bulgaria, with special emphasis placed on overcoming challenges related to energy security in the context of current geopolitical processes.

The second important document - a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bulgarian Investment Agency and JETRO, aims to directly promote investment flows between the two countries. The document provides for expanding business contacts and creating a platform for interaction between potential investors.

During the bilateral meeting, specific areas of cooperation were discussed, including artificial intelligence, information technologies, energy, and railway transport. The attending experts highlighted Bulgaria's strong potential in the field of high technologies and software engineering.

Among the participants were the Japanese Ambassador Hisashi Michigami, Deputy Minister Martin Danovski, JETRO President Susumu Kataoka, and representatives of leading Japanese corporations, which further emphasized the scale and significance of the forum.

Tomislav Donchev challenged the Japanese partners, pointing out that the real image of Bulgaria is very different from traditional perceptions, emphasizing the country's dynamic development in the technological and industrial sectors.

The forum reinforced the impression of growing interest from Japanese companies in the Bulgarian market and the potential for deepening economic partnership in strategic directions.