Minister Ivan Vasilev addresses the Bulgaria × Japan Business and Innovation Nexus
In a video address from Sofia to the 22 October session in Tokyo, Bulgaria's Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation named three priority areas: investment, research and advanced technologies, and startups.
H.E. Ms Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan, opened the Bulgaria × Japan Business and Innovation Nexus on 22 October. Her opening was followed by a video address from Sofia by Ivan Vasilev, Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Bulgaria. The session, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tokyo, Japan, KyoLink and the Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (JOI), was held at JOI in Chiyoda, Tokyo, onsite and online.
"Bulgaria and Japan may be far apart on the map," the Minister said, "but our relationships rest on mutual respect, friendship, and a shared drive for progress."
He named three priority areas.
Investment. Bulgaria offers real opportunities for high-tech manufacturing, research and development, and innovative business. The goal is to encourage more Japanese companies to invest in high-value-added activities in Bulgaria.
Research and advanced technologies. Robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and semiconductors. As a strong example, the Minister pointed to the collaboration between Bulgaria's INSAIT and Japan's RIKEN.
Startups. Innovation does not happen only in large corporations. Bulgarian and Japanese small and medium-sized companies and startups can build closer ties by sharing best practices, opening access to new markets and developing innovative solutions together.
"What matters most is creating the right conditions so that promising Bulgarian companies can find Japanese technology and business partners, and so that Japanese companies can find reliable partners to develop and deliver their projects in Bulgaria."
The Minister's point is also KyoLink's work: finding Japanese partners for promising Bulgarian companies, and reliable partners in Bulgaria for Japanese companies. If your company is looking for such a partner, bring your requirement to KyoLink. We prepare it with you and introduce you to the right counterparty, with consent on both sides.
KyoLink thanks Ambassador Arabadjieva for opening the session, and Minister Vasilev and the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation for their institutional support.