site.btaMinister of Agriculture and Food Meets with Chinese Counterpart in Beijing

Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov met with China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun in Beijing on Monday. The two ministers noted that there is a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation and broad opportunities for development, based on a pragmatic approach and achieving concrete results, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said.

Minister Tahov noted that the meeting lays the foundation for a more dynamic and sustainable dialogue, oriented towards expanding economic ties, innovations and long-term development in agriculture between Bulgaria and China.

Minister Han Jun expressed gratitude to Bulgaria for being the second country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with China. He noted the importance of existing ties and the need for more active cooperation in the current economic context.

During the meeting, Minister Tahov noted that in 2022–2023, Bulgaria occupied a leading position among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in the export of agricultural and food products to China. Despite fluctuations in international markets, he expressed confidence that the positive trend in bilateral trade will be maintained by expanding the assortment and trade channels.

Minister Han Jun pointed out that with the rise in the living standards of the Chinese population, the demand for quality food and raw materials is increasing. In this context, China is showing increased interest in the import of products such as rapeseed, sunflower, soybeans and beef. Traditional Bulgarian products such as rose butter and yogurt, which are well received by Chinese consumers, are also of particular interest.

The Chinese Minister extended an invitation to Bulgaria to participate as an honorary guest in the Third International Smart Agriculture Expo, which will be held at the end of 2025.

The meeting confirmed the joint commitment to intensifying cooperation within the framework of the China - Central and Eastern Europe format, including through support for technological projects and investments in the processing industry in Bulgaria.

This is the first bilateral meeting between Bulgarian and Chinese agricultural ministers in the last decade.

BTA recalls that Minister Georgi Tahov is visiting China from May 19 to 23.

On May 21, Minister Tahov will participate in the official opening ceremony of the International Tea Day 2025, held in the city of Hangzhou.

During his visit, Minister Tahov will also attend the 4th China-CEEC Expo & Intl Consumer Goods Fair in the city of Ningbo. He is expected to inaugurate a new location for the Liaison Office and the Pavilion of the Agricultural Cooperation Promotion Center between China and the Central and Eastern European countries.

Tahov will also take part in the opening ceremony of the 7th China–CEEC Dialogue on Customs Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation, where he will meet with Zhao Zenglian, Vice Minister and CPC Committee Member of the General Administration of Customs of China.