Bulgaria’s trade with China increased by nearly 20 per cent in the first six months of 2025, reaching around USD 2 billion
The Bulgaria–China Business Forum was held in Sofia within the framework of the Eighteenth Session of the Bulgaria–China Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, and the Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Ling Ji. The event, organised in partnership with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together representatives of leading companies from both countries to strengthen economic ties and launch new joint projects. More than 85 Bulgarian and 35 Chinese firms took part.
“Bulgaria and China have a strong trade partnership. In 2024 our bilateral trade volume reached almost USD 4 billion, and in just the first half of this year it is already about USD 2 billion – a clear sign of the dynamic growth of our economic relations. Today we see strong business interest in new joint projects that can unlock this potential,” said Minister Dilov.
The forum discussions focused on investment opportunities in high-potential sectors such as green technologies, energy efficiency, tourism, logistics and transport connectivity. Minister Dilov also stressed that Bulgaria enjoys stable macroeconomic indicators, noting that GDP grew by 3.4 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter and by 0.9 per cent compared with the first quarter.
Minister Dilov further underlined Bulgaria’s forthcoming accession to the Eurozone on 1 January 2026 and its membership of the Schengen Area, both of which will further facilitate trade and investment.
“We are confident that through a pragmatic approach and active cooperation we can create conditions for sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships between Bulgarian and Chinese companies,” the Minister added.
Minister Dilov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Dontcho Barbalov, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr Lozana Vasileva also held a working meeting with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Mr Ling Ji. The talks focused on deepening bilateral economic cooperation with an emphasis on achieving concrete practical results.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting business exchange through new forums, delegations and initiatives that encourage direct dialogue between companies.