site.btaUtah Delegation and Bulgaria Discuss Trade and Innovation Ties

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met with a delegation from the State of Utah led by Senator J. Stuart Adams, the Government press service said on Monday. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral trade and mutual investment between Bulgaria and Utah.

The Utah delegation included representatives of doTERRA International and the Stirling Foundation. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev and Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov.

Zhelyazkov underscored the importance of Bulgaria’s strategic relations with Utah and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and innovation. He welcomed the trust that Utah businesses show in Bulgaria, adding that the country is open to investment in areas such as artificial intelligence and drone manufacturing.

Bulgaria is particularly interested in partnerships within artificial intelligence and drone technology. The government encourages visits by American business missions and expects a trade mission from Utah to be organised in 2026.

Senator Adams noted the significance of sustainable economic partnership between Bulgaria and Utah. He said that tackling challenges in key sectors, including energy, artificial intelligence and other strategic areas, remains a priority and an opportunity for joint development. Adams also described Utah as an example of innovation, entrepreneurship, and steady economic growth.

He added that Utah’s strong sectors, such as technology, energy, education and sustainable industry, closely match Bulgaria’s priorities. According to Adams, cooperation between Bulgaria and Utah could bring tangible benefits for both sides through the exchange of expertise, investment and joint projects in crucial fields.

The meeting focused on the activities of doTERRA International, one of the largest American investors in Bulgaria. The company has invested USD 15 million in Dobrich and created 150 jobs. Through the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, it supports Bulgarian youth with educational and professional programs. Zhelyazkov thanked Kirk Jowers, CEO of doTERRA and Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Utah, for contributing to the advancement of bilateral economic relations.

The meeting underscored Bulgaria’s commitment to building sustainable economic relations with the United States and to expanding partnerships in key sectors including technology, innovation, and investment.

Earlier on Monday, Zhelyazkov participated in the High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, held during the General Debate commemorating the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. The session, titled "Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development and Human Rights," gathered heads of state and senior officials to reaffirm commitments to the Charter. Bulgaria marks 70 years of UN membership and supports initiatives such as the UN Youth Programme and the Pact for the Future.