Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev held a bilateral meeting with Akiyoshi Kato, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.
“Building on the excellent political relations between our countries, we have a duty to further develop our cooperation in all areas – technology, education, culture, and the economy. We already have excellent examples in the fields of energy, the automotive industry, information technology, the food and beverage sector, and artificial intelligence,” stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev at the opening of the Bulgaria–Japan Business Forum ‘Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation’ in Sofia. The forum was organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with the participation of dozens of companies from both countries. The event was part of the official visit to Bulgaria by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akiyoshi Kato.
Addressing representatives of leading Japanese and Bulgarian companies, Donchev stressed that today’s event is a step towards the strong results expected from bilateral cooperation. “Bulgaria is well known in Japan, but allow me to challenge you – the true image of our country is far different from what you may know. It is much more than premium food products, agricultural output, and Bulgarian talents. Bulgaria is advancing. A striking example is that since joining the EU, the country’s nominal GDP has quadrupled,” Donchev noted.
According to him, Bulgaria has regained its industrial, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics potential. “Bulgaria is a leader in information technologies and a regional leader in artificial intelligence. I am convinced that this also opens new opportunities,” he added.
During the forum, two key documents were signed to advance economic relations between the two countries. The first was a Joint Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Donchev and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kato, outlining the exchange of information and expertise in the field of energy transition, innovation based on Bulgaria’s highly skilled IT workforce, digital and railway connectivity, and the identification of opportunities for joint initiatives in support of Ukraine’s recovery. The Japanese side expressed readiness to deepen cooperation through the introduction of advanced Japanese technologies aimed at avoiding critical challenges such as energy security in the context of the war in Ukraine. The statement also highlighted a focus on Japanese investment in Bulgaria, with both sides agreeing to provide potential financial support for projects, including those related to the country’s infrastructure. In connection with strengthening JETRO’s presence in Bulgaria, the reopening of the organisation’s office in Sofia was also emphasised.
The second document signed was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BIA) under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth and JETRO. The memorandum aims to attract and promote investments from both countries, with BIA and JETRO committed to enhancing opportunities for expanding business contacts between potential investors.
Deputy Prime Minister Donchev also held a bilateral meeting with Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kato, during which they discussed deepening economic relations between Bulgaria and Japan in areas such as artificial intelligence, information technologies, energy, railway transport, and carbon neutrality. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Martin Danovski, JETRO President Susumu Kataoka, and representatives of major Japanese companies.
