Minister of Agriculture Dr. Georgi Tahov Highlights Significant Growth at Business Forum
The trade of agricultural and food products between Bulgaria and China has surged by over 37% in 2023, announced Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Georgi Tahov, at the official opening of the Bulgarian-Chinese Business Forum held in Sofia. The minister further noted that Bulgarian exports to the Chinese market have doubled on an annual basis compared to 2022. Leading agricultural products in Bulgaria’s export portfolio for the Chinese market in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 include corn and sunflower meal. In 2023, Bulgaria achieved a positive trade balance amounting to USD 395 million, up from USD 52 million in 2022.
Collaborative Efforts and Regulatory Approvals
Minister Tahov emphasized the intensive collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. This cooperation aims to complete procedures for meeting import requirements for various Bulgarian agricultural and food products into China. So far, 34 procedures have been initiated, with 11 successfully completed, resulting in the signing of relevant protocols and bilateral approval of certificates. The completion of the remaining procedures is expected to significantly boost the volume and variety of Bulgarian agricultural and food products exported to China.
Strategic Cooperation and Multilateral Engagements
Highlighting Bulgaria’s successful cooperation with China within multilateral frameworks, Minister Tahov noted the role of the Center for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CNSSSKCIE), which organized the current business forum. Since its official launch on June 26, 2015, in Sofia, the Center has proven to be a vital tool in promoting agricultural and food cooperation and trade within this format.
The Center’s strategic projects, approved by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers and implemented in CEE countries and China, are crucial. These projects include the establishment and development of “16+1 Demonstration Zones for Agricultural Cooperation” and “16+1 Logistics Centers and E-commerce Pavilions” for agricultural and other products. Notably, two such demonstration zones have been created in the Plovdiv region: one in the Părvomai area, operated by Tianjin Farm Cultivation Group Company Bulgaria EOOD, and another at the Agricultural University in Plovdiv, managed by the Center.
Business Forum Insights and Future Prospects
Dr. Momchil Stanishev, Executive Director of CNSSSKCIE, highlighted the participation of seven Chinese firms from various sectors, one of which is capable of helping any Bulgarian business position its product in Shanghai. “Bilateral business meetings between interested parties are forthcoming. There is significant participation from relevant Bulgarian firms and interest in today’s forum. We hope this is just the beginning of our relationship with Shanghai,” said Dr. Stanishev.
The sectors represented at the forum include customs services and food import-export, smart food markets, the automotive industry, artificial intelligence and unmanned heavy transport vehicles, smart lighting, construction, and trade exhibitions.
During the event, a Cooperation Agreement was also signed between CNSSSKCIE and the Shanghai International Chamber of Commerce.
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