“This is just the beginning”: Japanese business returns to Bulgaria

Our country is well known as an investment hub among Japanese companies

10:22 25.06.2025 ~ 2 min read

Japanese business is returning to Bulgaria. This message was conveyed by H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Bulgaria, during a bilateral Bulgarian-Japanese business forum held in Sofia.

Japan can make an additional contribution to Bulgaria, especially with its business representatives, expertise, and experience from around the world," Michigami said.

During the forum, which was attended by a total of 24 representatives of Japanese companies, a memorandum of understanding between Japan and Bulgaria was signed, as well as a declaration of cooperation.

This is just the beginning," said the ambassador.

He pointed out that several Japanese companies, including Toyota, Murata, Yazaki, Nidec, and others, are already operating in Bulgaria, but this is still a small step.

Meiji and Toshiba are also expected to visit in the coming months.

We would like to remind you that the Bulgarian state-owned dairy company LB Bulgaricum, together with Meiji, is currently working on the creation of its own Bulgarian-Japanese laboratory for dairy products.

We have great potential, Bulgaria is well known as an investment hub, far beyond just the Land of Yogurt," added the ambassador.

A different image

Bulgaria is well known in Japan, but the real image of our country is very different from the one you know from food products," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev.

According to him, Bulgaria has much to boast about, as since 2007, when our country joined the EU, Bulgaria's GDP has grown fourfold, and today Bulgaria is a regional leader in IT and artificial intelligence.

An important milestone

We are striving to expand trade and investment ties with a focus on high-tech sectors such as IT and innovation," added Economy Minister Petar Dilov.

He emphasized that Japan is a strategic partner for Bulgaria in Asia.

The signed strategic partnership is an important milestone," said Akiyoshi Kato, Japan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

In his speech, he highlighted the strong performance of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka, adding that even the Japanese emperor had made a warm comment about Bulgaria.