site.btaBulgaria and Kazakhstan Step Up Bilateral Economic Cooperation in Many Sectors

Bulgaria and Kazakhstan signed a protocol on stepping up the bilateral economic cooperation in a series of sectors here on Tuesday, the Bulgarian Economy Ministry reported. That marked the end of the 5th session of the Joint Bulgaria-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation in Sofia.

The protocol was signed by Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

During the 5th session, Dilov said that Bulgaria is actively working for the development of economic ties with Central Asian countries. "Among these, Kazakhstan - our traditional economic partner - undoubtedly stands out as a leader," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin, who leads his country's delegation to Sofia, said that Bulgaria is one of Kazakhstan's key partners in Southeast Europe. In his words, in the past years, the bilateral cooperation has demonstrated a steady dynamics in practically all spheres.

The two sides pointed out that there is untapped potential for cooperation between Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, despite the positive development of trade, which has quadrupled in the last year alone.

The two ministers discussed the opportunities for deepening relations in various sectors. They talked about the potential for joint projects as well as cooperation in transport, energy and digital infrastructure.

During the session, an analysis of bilateral cooperation was made and topical issues were discussed concerning bilateral trade and economic relations and opportunities for expanding cooperation in a number of areas, such as trade, economy, transport and communications, energy, e-government, tourism, etc.

Earlier on Tuesday, Dilov and Zhumangarin unveiled a Bulgaria-Kazakhstan business forum in Sofia, organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).