Bulgaria considers Japan as a strategic partner in Asia. In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover amounted to 269.5 million USD, which does not correspond to the existing potential. Today's event unequivocally demonstrates our common will and desire to deepen the dialogue and even more intensively develop our relations with friendly Japan. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Petar Dilov, in his speech during an event organized by the Japan-Bulgarian Business Association and the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, in connection with the upcoming hosting of the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka.
The event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, as well as representatives of Japanese companies.
“I am convinced that our good relations will strengthen after our presentation at EXPO Osaka 2025 and that it will contribute to the positioning of Bulgaria as a high-tech and attractive business and investment destination“, emphasized the Minister of Economy.
According to him, Bulgaria attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and strives to further expand trade and investment ties with Japan.
Minister Dilov pointed out that Bulgaria already has its own remarkable history with the memorable performance at the World Expo in Osaka in 1970, after which the long-term partnership between “LB Bulgaricum“ EAD under the Ministry of Economy and Industry and “Meiji“ began, as well as the recognition of Bulgaria in Japan.
“We highly appreciate the good long-term cooperation between “LB Bulgaricum“ and “Meiji“, which contributes to the development of bilateral relations and the popularity of our country in Japan“, he added.
Minister Dilov recalled that in 2024 the partnership between the state-owned company and the Japanese company was upgraded, with an agreement signed to establish a joint research laboratory at a world-class level in our country. In it, scientific specialists from both companies will conduct joint research and development activities.
The Minister of Economy and Industry pointed out that in recent years, bilateral trade relations have been developing dynamically and numerous high-level visits have been made. “Our efforts are aimed at increasing and diversifying bilateral trade. Our country has something to offer Japanese companies“, he said.
Dilov emphasized that we have the potential to provide favorable opportunities for activities in a number of areas such as information and communication technologies, electronics and electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive industry, high-tech production and services, agriculture and food industry, transport and logistics infrastructure, etc.
The EXPO 2025 World Exhibition will be held in the Japanese city of Osaka. Bulgaria will participate in the World Expo with a national stand, with the main coordinator for our country's participation being the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (BSMEPA) under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.