Last week, Bulgaria hosted a representative delegation from the Chinese province of Sichuan, led by Vice Governor Dong Weimin. The visit included key experts from various institutional structures, among which were the Development and Reform Commission, the Foreign Affairs Office, and the Economic Cooperation Bureau.

The central goal of the visit was to deepen bilateral economic relations and present potential investment opportunities. A conference was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Bulgarian state administration, business circles, and diplomatic circles.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that trade turnover between the two countries has reached nearly 4 billion US dollars in 2024. He highlighted the strategic importance of the connection in the context of Bulgaria's full membership in the European Union and the Schengen Area.

Mila Nenova from the Bulgarian Investment Agency presented specific incentive measures for foreign investors, with a focus on sectors with the greatest potential for cooperation with China.

The Trade and Economic Affairs Office in Shanghai confirmed that China is among Bulgaria's leading trading partners outside the European Union. Promising areas for Bulgarian exports include food industry, agriculture, essential oils, cosmetics, wine, and mineral waters.

Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tsvetan Simeonov held a working meeting with representatives of the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade, related to the memorandum of cooperation signed in the spring of 2024.

The visit is seen as a strategic step to deepen economic partnership, which creates a solid foundation for future joint initiatives and investment projects between Bulgaria and the Chinese province of Sichuan.

Conference participants emphasized the need for mutually beneficial cooperation that can bring significant benefits to the economies of both countries through the exchange of technologies, expertise, and investment opportunities.