Minister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projects

Minister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projects - 2Minister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projectsMinister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projects - 1Minister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projects - 2Minister Ivanov: Bulgaria and China have the potential to implement joint projects We focus on the future of public-private partnership in the construction of roads, water supply and sewerage sites and urban development.

"Bulgaria is increasingly focusing on the future of public-private partnership, which proves its effectiveness for regional and infrastructural development worldwide. In addition to building road infrastructure, we also have opportunities for partnerships in the water sector, urban planning and planning". This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov, who was a guest at the opening of the China-Bulgaria Regional Cooperation Conference on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. According to Minister Ivanov, public-private partnerships can be a good alternative for attracting expertise, financing, know-how and improving efficiency. "We are open to an active dialogue to find the most appropriate business model for cooperation with the Chinese side and other countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. We could use the best European and world models without repeating the mistakes of others. That is why I think that forums like this are extremely timely and useful," said the regional minister. According to him, the initiative unfolds a wide horizon of interconnections that aim not only at improving infrastructure connectivity between the countries that are part of the initiative, but also at the economic development of these countries.

“Bulgaria has been part of the Belt and Road for 10 years now, but there is more to be done to expand this cooperation and look for new opportunities and perspectives. Our country is in the heart of the Balkans, and our countries need good roads and highways to connect us in order to develop business, trade and investment, and all people in the region to benefit from good road connections. I am confident that the good political dialogue between Bulgaria and China can be reflected in the implementation of joint projects on the principle of public-private partnership", Ivanov further said. He noted that as part of the EU, our country cannot offer state guarantees to Chinese companies, but there are opportunities for accelerated and transparent procedures and full institutional support in the implementation of joint initiatives.

The forum was organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, whose chairman Yan Wanming opened the event in Sofia; National Belt and Road Association, represented by Prof. Zahari Zahariev, as well as the Embassy of China in Bulgaria. It is attended by mayors of Bulgarian municipalities, mayors and deputy mayors of the Chinese cities of Yangzhou, Xinyu, Ganzhou and others, the deputy governor of Jiangsu province and others.