Deputy Minister David Sukalinski: Bulgaria views Japan as a strategic partner in Asia

Bulgaria considers Japan as a strategic partner in Asia. We attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations and strive to further expand our trade and investment ties. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. David Sukalinski at the opening of the "Japan-Bulgaria Business Forum". In his words, the event is proof of the common will and desire for a dynamic dialogue and even more intensive development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. The organizers of the business forum are the Japanese Foreign Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Bulgarian Investment Agency.

"I believe that today's event and business networking will serve to launch specific business partnerships and joint projects in various economic sectors of mutual interest," said Dr. David Sukalinski.

The Deputy Minister assured that the focus of the foreign economic policy of the Bulgarian government will continue to be trade and industrial relations with Japan, as our traditional partner in the region. "We support all initiatives in the interest of effective cooperation between the two countries," he added.

The ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria Hisashi Michigami, the president of Jetro Susumi Kataoka, the deputy minister of innovation Krasimir Yakimov, the deputy mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality Ivan Vasilev and others took part in the business forum.

The visit of the Japanese delegation to Bulgaria is organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). Its composition includes over 90 representatives from various Japanese companies. The purpose of the visit is to familiarize with the investment and trade potential of Bulgaria. Tomorrow, the Japanese business delegation will visit the largest state industrial park IP Sofia - Bozhurishte, owned by "National Company of Industrial Zones" (NCIZ) EAD. During the tour, the investment opportunities in the company's areas throughout the country will be presented.

In recent years, bilateral trade relations between the two countries have been developing dynamically. In the first six months of 2024, our trade with Japan amounted to USD 134.3 million, of which Bulgarian exports accounted for nearly USD 41.0 million, which is an increase of over 10%.