site.btaBulgaria, Japan to Boost Cooperation in Innovation and High Technologies

Caretaker Innovation and Growth Minister Irena Mladenova met with Japan's Ambassador to Bulgaria Chikahisa Sumi to discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment, innovation, high technologies and digitalization, the ministry's press centre said on Friday.

Mladenova stressed that Japan is a key strategic partner for Bulgaria in East Asia. "Japan's leadership in high-tech sectors and innovation provides an excellent basis for deepening our partnership," she said.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to intensifying cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as technology transfer, joint research, innovation clusters, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and the start-up ecosystem, as well as sustainable green technologies.

Particular emphasis was placed on building sustainable partnerships that support long-term economic development. Among the topics discussed was the promotion of investment, with Mladenova highlighting Bulgaria's new Interactive Investment Map developed by the Innovation and Growth Ministry together with the Bulgarian Investment Agency.

The two officials also noted the positive momentum in expanding bilateral projects in the field of artificial intelligence. As an example, they cited the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in scientific research signed between INSAIT and RIKEN, Japan's largest research institution.

The meeting confirmed the mutual desire to further develop economic relations between Bulgaria and Japan and to implement new joint projects with long-term impact.

Also attending the meeting were Executive Director of the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Boyko Takov and Head of the Minister's Political Cabinet Radmila Yordanova.