Ambassador Hisashi Michigami: Japanese Business Returning to Bulgaria

Dimitrina Solakova, Delyan Petrishki

Japanese Ambassador Hisashi Michigami addressing the bilateral business forum, Sofia, June 25, 2025 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

25.06.2025 12:18

(BTA)

Japanese business returns to Bulgaria, Ambassador Hisashi Michigami said at a bilatearl business forum here on Wednesday. He described the event as significant.

The forum, focused on infrastructure, energy and digitization, was organized by the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

"As you know, Toshiba and Meiji will set foot in Bulgaria within months. Along with them, a number of other companies, in cooperation or with operational activities, are already represented here, such as Yazaki, Sega, Toyota, Murata, Nidec, and others," the Ambassador specified.

However, the diplomat described what has been achieved so far as only a small step, against the backdrop of great potential.

Bulgaria is recognised as an innovation hub, beyond its nickname of "the country of yoghurt", he noted.

"You are strong in the areas of information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). You have highly skilled human resources in technology. You are a solid member of NATO and the EU. You are also achieving a very stable and good economic development, along with the encouraging news about the membership of the euro area," the Japanese Ambassador said.

The diplomat also stressed the importance of the strategic partnership established in May.

He expressed the hope that more Japanese business executives attending the forum would get to know Bulgaria and return to the country to explore business opportunities.

"And my message to Bulgaria is very clear - Japan can contribute to its development with its business experience, technology, expertise and experience accumulated around the world," he said in conclusion.

The business forum was held within a two-day visit of a Japanese business delegation to Bulgaria that began on June 24. Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akiyoshi Kato, and a delegation of about 50 representatives of Japanese companies are in Sofia to explore investment opportunities and expand bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors.

/DS/