Bulgaria, China Explore Deeper Cooperation in Fast-Growing Automotive Industry

Veneta Litkova, Ivona Velichkova

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli at the Bulgaria-China: cooperation in the automotive sector business forum, Sofia, November 26, 2025 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

26.11.2025 13:27

(BTA)

The Bulgaria-China: cooperation in the automotive sector business forum, held in Sofia on Wednesday, highlighted Bulgaria’s significant progress in the automotive industry in recent years. The event was jointly organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Embassy of China in Bulgaria.

BCCI President Tsvetan Simeonov said the forum provides an opportunity to establish stronger contacts and cooperation between Chinese and Bulgarian organizations, companies and financial institutions. He noted that China’s impressive growth rate makes it a desirable partner. Simeonov added that the number of car users is rising and will continue to rise. In China alone, 800 million people have been taken out of extreme poverty over the past decade, making them potential car users, he said.

Deputy Economy Minister Doncho Barbalov said Bulgaria has significantly advanced in the automotive sector, which now employs around 75,000 people and produces 70% of the sensors used in European cars. He noted the country’s strong pool of qualified specialists and growing number of students in automotive fields, adding that Bulgaria should aim to move beyond component production toward full vehicle manufacturing.

He noted that Bulgaria is experiencing solid economic growth of 3.2% since the start of the year, a trend expected to continue. Barbalov added that the era of low labour costs and low taxes is coming to an end, arguing that Bulgaria should now attract higher value-added investment to drive further business development.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli cited data showing that China’s automobile production and sales exceeded 31 million units in 2024, setting a new record. Sales of electric vehicles grew from 1.4 million in 2020 to 13 million in 2024, with market share rising from 5.4% to 40%. She noted that the companies attending the forum have long-standing experience operating in the Bulgarian market, and representatives of Bulgaria’s automotive industry have also visited China multiple times. She said the development of automobiles in China is shifting from traditional vehicles to intelligent mobility terminals, energy-storage units and digital spaces, creating new opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Executive Director Lyubomir Stanislavov said the automotive sector has been the fastest-growing industry in Bulgaria over the past decade and currently generates between 10% and 11% of GDP. He noted that more than 380 companies now operate in the sector, along with 38 research and development centres.

/KK/