site.btaJapan External Trade Organization President Says Bulgaria's Advantages Remain Largely Unknown to Japanese Companies
Speaking at the Japanese-Bulgarian Business Forum on "Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization" in Sofia on Wednesday, Susumu Kataoka, President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), said that Bulgaria offers a wide range of advantages that remain largely unknown to Japanese businesses. He stressed the importance of providing clearer information about this country’s developments and the business opportunities it presents.
He expressed optimism that the Memorandum of Cooperation signed during the forum between JETRO and the InvestBulgaria Agency would help deepen bilateral economic ties.
Susumu Kataoka said that in a time of global uncertainty and increasing focus on economic security, cooperation with like-minded countries has become more important than ever.
There is no doubt that Japan must strengthen its relations with Europe, particularly with Central and Eastern European countries, the JETRO President said. These regions, including the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe, are attracting growing interest from Japanese businesses due to numerous infrastructure projects already in the pipeline, which offer major opportunities, he added.
Susumu Kataoka also outlined three key reasons for enhancing economic cooperation between Japan and Bulgaria, based on observations over the past year: strong political will on both sides to strengthen economic ties; shared values; and a favorable business environment. He also stressed the importance of “attachment” as an important consideration for Japanese companies when choosing where to invest.
He encouraged companies interested in exploring opportunities in Bulgaria to reach out to representatives of JETRO and the InvestBulgaria Agency for assistance.
The business forum 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 JETRO. The event took place as part of a two-day visit to Sofia by Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akiyoshi Kato, and a delegation of around 50 representatives from Japanese companies and government institutions.
/NZ/
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