site.btaBulgarian Trade Commissioner in Jakarta Dobrev Outlines Strategic Sectors for Bulgaria-Indonesia Cooperation

The potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Bulgaria and Indonesia is considerable and spans a number of strategic sectors, Bulgarian Trade Commissioner for Indonesia Daniel Dobrev said in an interview for BTA on Friday. Dobrev pointed out that both countries have competitive strengths in digitalization, renewable energy, food industries, tourism, and logistics.

Indonesia is a leading economy in Southeast Asia with rapidly growing sectors including digitalization, renewable energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, food processing, and the maritime economy. Bulgaria offers competitive advantages in information and communication technology, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, education, rose production, spa and balneology, automotive components, mechanical engineering, and logistics. There are significant opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, joint manufacturing and logistics projects, tourism, and educational exchange.

Dobrev views Indonesia as a country with significant potential and faces many challenges due to climate change and regional and global conflicts. He believes that establishing trust and partnership between Indonesia and Bulgaria, as an EU member, is strategically important. The upcoming signing of the EU–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will serve as a key modern instrument that reinforces the principle of equal treatment in trade relations.

In an interview with BTA on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov said that, in the context of Bulgaria's export diversification, the country already has a trade representative in Indonesia. The EU is currently in advanced negotiations with Indonesia for a political free-trade agreement.

"Together with the embassy and our entire team, we are achieving tangible results, as demonstrated by the increasing interest in Bulgaria and the successful initiatives we are conducting in the economic, cultural, and tourism sectors. Our objective is to position Bulgaria as a bridge for investment and trade within the EU, and the Trade and Economic Affairs Office (STIV) plays a crucial role in realizing this vision," Dobrev said.

Dobrev noted that people in Indonesia are familiar with Bulgarian rose and yogurt, and those who have experienced Bulgarian culture are also aware of its hospitality. These factors create a strong basis for the future development of bilateral relations, and Dobrev pointed out that STIV’s role in this process for Indonesia is crucial.

Serving as Bulgaria's Trade Commissioner in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago and the fourth most populous nation, characterized by significant geographic, ethnic, and economic diversity, is a considerable challenge, Dobrev noted. "This is an undertaking where experience from neighboring Southeast Asian countries (such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore), as well as from China, has limited applicability. Indonesia requires a pioneering approach, facing challenges directly, understanding the people, culture, and business landscape, and making independent, well-informed decisions," Dobrev said.

The initial step toward success is educating local representatives about Bulgaria’s location, and at times, even Europe’s, and the opportunities that collaboration with us can offer. Sharing positive experiences, best practices, and completed project proposals provides essential guidance for building a sustainable presence in a vast country like Indonesia and throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A well-functioning system is built with examples," Dobrev said.

"Despite my short tenure since my appointment, I have encountered openness and a readiness to adopt new ideas among local businesses in Indonesia, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises outside the capital, Jakarta. For example, during my visit to Jepara, Central Java, a prominent hub for the timber and furniture industries, I assessed the local business potential and introduced proposals for advancing traditional industries through a cluster strategy and proactive international marketing. These proposals attracted interest and sparked specific inquiries and discussions, indicating promising prospects. As the first EU diplomat to visit the region, my initiative and professional approach made a strong impression on the local community," Dobrev recounted.

"A similar case occurred in another region, Tomohon in North Sulawesi, known for its tourism and horticulture. My proposal for the development of agrotourism, based on good European practices and focusing on flower parks (exotic species), complemented by finished products and tourist services, was received with great enthusiasm," he added.

Dobrev observed that Indonesia teaches balance, in relationships, in communication with different cultures and in attention to detail, despite the scale and diversity of the local market. This valuable lesson, he said, helps him to be perceived as a reliable partner by national and regional institutions, business associations, corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises.

"STIV is a friend of the Indonesian people and business. This should be felt daily, in the city and in remote regions, in the office, at the factory or out in the open. STIV is the face of Bulgaria, the bearer of its advantages, beauty and opportunities in Indonesia," Dobrev concluded.