Bulgaria: A Chance to be a Gateway to Europe through Rail Transport

Bulgaria faces a unique chance to transform from a transit country into a strategic gateway to the European market. This was emphasized by the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly and of the "Vazrazhdane" party, Tsoncho Ganev, at the Second Forum for International Cooperation, focused on the development of the China-Europe railway express. The information was disseminated by the party's press center.

In his speech in the Chinese city of Xi'an, Ganev pointed out that the modern Silk Road moves on rails, crosses borders, carries not only a huge amount of goods, but also countless economic opportunities, technological progress, and cultural exchange. This, according to him, is not a futuristic concept, but the reality of the China - Europe railway express - a key factor in the modern global economy and one of the main pillars of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

He drew attention to the fact that train compositions reach their final destinations twice as fast compared to sea routes, which makes them particularly suitable for the transportation of high-tech products and components with added value.

The China-Europe railway express provides a uniquely balanced solution between speed, price, and environmental friendliness. Compared to maritime transport, which requires 35-45 days, railway compositions reach the final point in about 15-20 days, Ganev noted. He added that Bulgaria's key advantage lies not only in the railway network, but in the ability to integrate this network with other modes of transport.

According to Ganev, the two main Black Sea ports – Burgas and Varna, have the potential to become significant international centers. The port of Burgas, as the end point of the Sofia-Plovdiv-Burgas railway line and part of the Trans-European Transport Corridor No. 8, plays a key role, he stressed.

Investments in Corridor No. 8 will exceed 1.2 billion euros, announced the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov on November 6. Then, together with his colleague from the Republic of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski, an agreement was signed for the preparation, construction and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel between the two countries.

During the forum in the Chinese city of Xi'an, Tsoncho Ganev emphasized Plovdiv's position, which makes it an ideal candidate for a large inland logistics park. In addition, Sofia Airport can be included in the fast delivery chain, providing a comprehensive logistics solution. Ganev emphasized that "Vazrazhdane" will continue to work actively to strengthen economic ties between Sofia and Beijing. He concluded that if we take decisive action now, Bulgaria can be transformed from a mere transit point into a true architect of regional trade and a source of prosperity for future generations.