Minister Avramova: Political dialogue between Bulgaria and China must have a practical dimension by strengthening economic ties between the two countries

 “China is an important partner for Bulgaria and our country wants to maintain and develop a comprehensive partnership. It is important that the intensive political dialogue between the two countries has a practical dimension by strengthening economic ties between the two countries.”

This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Petya Avramova during a meeting with Ye Jianchun – Deputy Governor of Jiangxi Province, the People’s Republic of China and the delegation led by the governor.

Bulgaria supports the initiative for cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, known as 16 + 1, as an important mechanism for expanding trade, economic and investment ties, the Minister said. She stressed that our country also supports the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road", understood as a global corridor for connecting Asia with Europe.

During the conversation, the Deputy Governor of Jiangxi Province, Ye Jianchun, stressed that China pays very serious attention to the development of relations with Bulgaria and the implementation of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative provides many new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The governor said that Chinese companies have a serious interest in deepening relations with Bulgarian partners in a number of areas, including in the field of infrastructure. Proof of this was the presence in the delegation of representatives of one of the world’s largest Chinese companies working in the field of construction, which intends to expand its activities in Central and Eastern Europe.

“We believe that we have the opportunity to be effectively involved in the construction of infrastructure projects under the “One Belt, One Road” initiative,” said Ye Jianchun.

At the meeting, Minister Avramova presented the road sites that could be built on the principle of public-private partnership in our country: the Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo highway and two tunnels – under Shipka Peak and under the Petrohan Pass. The sites are strategic for our country, because they are in the direction of pan-European transport corridors.

Bulgaria already has the necessary legislation for the concession of infrastructure sites and the government will continue to create the necessary prerequisites for successful implementation of projects on the principle of public-private partnership, it was clarified during the conversation.

“I believe that this first meeting will grow into a fruitful cooperation and active dialogue between the two countries,” the Regional Minister concluded.