Bulgaria and Japan: Strategic Partnership in the Railway Sector

The Ministry of Transport and Communications placed railway transport as a priority direction for development, reported Deputy Minister Lyuben Nanov during the Japanese-Bulgarian Business Forum. The strategy provides for large-scale investments in modern rolling stock that meets contemporary requirements for safety, environmental friendliness, and comfort.

During expert discussions with the Japanese delegation, specific guidelines for reforms in the railway sector were outlined. Among the main goals are increasing market competition, optimizing current maintenance, and accelerating infrastructure modernization. The planned activities aim to directly improve transport services by increasing speeds and reducing travel time.

During the official meeting with the Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Akiyoshi Kato, representatives of 19 leading Japanese companies and government organizations were present. The agenda included issues of alternative financing for strategic infrastructure projects.

The Bulgarian side presented specific proposals for public-private partnership, including the construction of three railway tunnels through the Stara Planina mountain, an intermodal terminal in Ruse, as well as doubling the railway line Plovdiv - Svilengrad - Turkish border. The Japanese representatives declared full readiness to participate in infrastructure projects in Central and Eastern Europe.

Akiyoshi Kato emphasized the Japanese side's desire to support not only transport infrastructure but also reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. The meeting reinforced the impression of deepening strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of transport and economic cooperation.