A Japanese-Bulgarian R&D Centre, which will be set up, is planned to develop new dairy and other products containing the bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This was discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stojanov and H.E. Hiroshi Narahira, Ambassador of Japan in Bulgaria, and representatives of the Meiji company, who are in our country to discuss the project. The initiative is in connection with the 50th anniversary of the launch of Bulgarian yoghurt on the Japanese market.
‘This 50-year relationship is already part of the history of our countries and we all have a responsibility to the success of this joint project’ said Nikola Stojanov. The Economy Minister also stressed that ‘history and friendship are positive, but innovation will allow us to build on what we have achieved so far’.
The Japanese company is ready to invest in the Centre, which is expected to be a joint project with the state-owned enterprise LB Bulgaricum. During the meeting it also became clear that an active dialogue is being conducted and all the details of its construction are being clarified. Minister Stojanov emphasized that our country has strong traditions and consistent progress in the development of products containing the Bulgarian bacterium. ‘We have a base to build on, but we need to develop it and keep investing to get better,’ Nikola Stojanov added.
Ambassador Narahira pointed out that the construction of such a Centre would be a symbol of the long-standing relations between Japan and Bulgaria, and during the meeting the possibility of signing an agreement for its establishment was discussed. ‘I hope that at the EXPO-2025 world exhibition, which will be held in Osaka, Japan, we will have the opportunity to present together the new dairy products developed in our joint research centre,’ Minister Stojanov said.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova, representatives of the management of the State Consolidation Company, LB Bulgaricum and the Japanese company Meiji.