“Bulgaria is increasingly emphasizing the future of public-private partnership, which has proven its effectiveness for regional and infrastructure development worldwide. In addition to the construction of road infrastructure, we have opportunities for partnerships in the water supply and sanitation sector, urban development and planning“. This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov, who was a guest at the opening of the Conference on Regional Cooperation between China and Bulgaria on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of cooperation under the “One Belt, One Road“ initiative. According to Minister Ivanov, public-private partnerships can be a good alternative for attracting expertise, financing, know-how and improving efficiency. “We are open to active dialogue to find the most appropriate business model of cooperation with the Chinese side and the other countries of the “One Belt, One Road“ initiative. We could use the best European and global models, without repeating the mistakes of others. That is why I believe that forums like this are extremely timely and useful“, said the regional minister. According to him, the initiative unfolds a broad horizon of interconnections, which aim not only to improve the infrastructure connectivity between the countries - part of the initiative, but also to the economic development of these countries.
“Bulgaria has been part of “One Belt, One Road“ for 10 years now, but there is still much to be desired in expanding this cooperation and searching for new opportunities and prospects. Our country is in the heart of the Balkans, and our countries need good roads and highways to connect us so that business, trade and investments can develop, and all people in the region can benefit from good road connections. I am confident that the good political dialogue between Bulgaria and China can be reflected in the implementation of joint projects on the principle of public-private partnership“, Ivanov also said. He noted that as part of the EU, our country cannot offer state guarantees to Chinese companies, but there are opportunities for accelerated and transparent procedures and full institutional support in the implementation of joint initiatives.
The forum is organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, whose chairman Yang Wanming opened the event in Sofia; the National Association “One Belt, One Road“, represented by Prof. Zahari Zahariev, as well as the Embassy of China in Bulgaria. It is attended by mayors of Bulgarian municipalities, mayors and deputy mayors of the Chinese cities of Yangzhou, Xinyu, Ganzhou, etc., the deputy governor of Jiangsu province, etc.