site.btaEconomy Minister, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Discuss Trade and Investment Opportunities

The Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, held talks with China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji, on enhancing trade and investment cooperation between Bulgaria and China, the Economy Ministry reported on Wednesday. Both serve as co-chairs of the Bulgarian-Chinese Intergovernmental Mixed Commission for Economic Cooperation.

Dilov is on an official visit to Beijing to attend the second edition of the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad, where Bulgaria’s national team is taking part.

The two stressed the significant untapped potential for boosting economic performance and bilateral trade. According to Chinese statistics, trade turnover between Bulgaria and China reached nearly USD 2.2 billion in the period January–June 2025.

They agreed that the sessions of the Bulgarian-Chinese Intergovernmental Mixed Commission represent an important mechanism for developing bilateral trade and economic relations. The 18th session of the Commission is scheduled to be held in Sofia later this year. “We would welcome the organization of a bilateral business forum alongside the session,” Dilov said.

He emphasized that efforts are underway to expand Bulgarian exports to the Chinese market, citing agricultural and food products, essential oils and cosmetics, wine, and mineral water as promising sectors.

Ling Ji highlighted opportunities to increase Bulgarian exports to China, particularly in the food industry and other fields. “Bulgaria is well known in China for its rose oil products,” he noted. 

Both officials pointed out prospects for attracting investment in sectors where Bulgaria has traditional strengths, as well as in industries offering high added value and competitiveness. These include automotive manufacturing and parts production, electronics and electrical engineering, information and communication technologies, agriculture, and the food industry.

According to Dilov, there are opportunities to attract Chinese companies to Bulgarian industrial zones, with support available from the National Company Industrial Zones.

During his visit to Beijing, Dilov also met with Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Dilov stressed Bulgaria’s intention to expand exports to China, noting untapped potential for further growth, particularly for products for which Bulgaria is well-known in Asia.

The two exchanged views on promoting exchanges between the Chinese and Bulgarian business communities, supporting trade and investment, strengthening cooperation within the Bulgaria-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and encouraging international cooperation in industrial supply chains.

Ren Hongbin emphasized the strong foundation for cooperation between the two countries and the need to focus on new sectors such as innovation and new technologies, digitalization, and energy efficiency.

The Minister of Economy also expressed support for the Bulgarian Olympians representing the country at the second International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad. “Bulgaria is building an ecosystem of research, startups, and education in artificial intelligence. Many talented specialists graduate from our schools, universities, and laboratories. We are ready to contribute and cooperate with partners by implementing responsible innovations and placing people at the center of technological progress,” Dilov said in his opening speech at the Olympiad.