site.bta Deputy PM Zafirov Attends 4th China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov attended the 4th China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair in the city of Ningbo on Thursday.

"The positive results in bilateral trade between Bulgaria and China are not accidental. There is no doubt that Chinese consumers are interested in Bulgarian products such as yogurt, cosmetics and rose products, which are just some of the good examples. This is demonstrated by the fact that more and more such manufacturers are managing to enter the Chinese market and their products can be noticed and purchased in various places in China," said Zafirov at the event 

He noted that the plans to expand areas of cooperation are multifaceted and include the creation of an increasing number of "green channels" for the facilitated import of samples and products into China, as practice shows that the difficult customs clearance process is among the main obstacles to the full distribution and promotion of agricultural products from Bulgaria and CEE in China. He also pointed to the promotion of academic and research cooperation with the aim of exchanging good practices and innovations.

During a meeting with State Councilor Shen Yiqin, the challenges in the social sphere faced by both countries were discussed. Zafirov presented the guidelines and what has been done so far in terms of ensuring higher social standards and wages for workers, the possibilities for supporting vulnerable groups in the country, and the expected support for a number of groups in Bulgarian society in the coming years. "Overcoming the demographic crisis in our country and addressing the imbalances between the individual regions is a key priority for the Bulgarian government. We are working very seriously in this direction," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

After the opening ceremony of the 4th China-CEE International Exhibition, Zafirov inspected the individual stands within the framework of the China International Import Expo. Special emphasis was placed on the Bulgarian stand.