Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Nikolova participated in “17+1” Summit

Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Mariana Nikolova, took part in a video conference meeting of the "17 + 1" summit on February 9.

"It is a pleasure for me to participate in today's Summit of the 17 + 1 Initiative, at which I hope we would outline specific initiatives and future directions of cooperation," she said at the beginning of her statement.

I appreciate the personal commitment of our host today – President Xi Jinping, who chairs the China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Summit. His leadership is especially important at a time when we all face serious challenges," said the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister. She added that for Bulgaria, China has always been an extremely important partner bilaterally and within the framework of the EU-China strategic partnership and the 17 + 1 Initiative.

The Deputy Prime Minister commented that Bulgaria attaches special importance to the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China as a factor of peace, prosperity and sustainable development, multilateralism and international order based on the rule of law.

According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work and posed serious challenges to countries. Deputy Prime Minister Nikolova expressed her sincere gratitude for the outstretched hand of the Chinese state leadership and for the assistance provided in the fight against COVID-19 in the most difficult period for Bulgaria last year.

She expressed confidence that on the basis of solidarity, understanding and joint efforts, we could get out of the current situation as soon as possible and return to the normal rhythm of life. And he called on all participants in the "17 + 1" Initiative to take even more active advantage of the demonstration zones in Bulgaria and China for cooperation in the area of agriculture, logistic hubs and pavilions for e-trade in agricultural and other products.

"I urge China to help expand these platforms," ​​said Minister Nikolova. She also made a proposal to continue the active and purposeful efforts of the two countries to overcome the long-standing negative trade balance, which is a real problem for the Bulgarian side. We count on the support of the Chinese government and the leadership of President Xi Jinping to identify and implement further specific measures to expand and facilitate access to the Chinese market, she said. She also called for china’s assistance to expand the scope of exported goods by simplifying and speeding up import procedures in China, in particular food and agricultural goods. A flexible and in line with the conditions of anti-epidemic measures framework for coordination between the competent agencies would be of great importance, the minister said.

Nikolova also pointed out that further efforts are needed to promote contacts and direct exchange between businesses, incl. between small and medium-sized enterprises. She explained that the Bulgarian government and business would welcome any serious intention on the part of Chinese companies to invest in Bulgaria under EU rules by applying various forms of cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that after overcoming the current restrictions from the pandemic, specific steps will be needed to increase the flow of tourists from China, incl. considering the possibility of establishing direct flights. The areas of culture, education, science, in which we rely on China’s support, remain traditionally important for us, the Bulgarian Minister concluded.