On April 16, 2025, the Japan-Bulgaria Business Association (JBBA) and the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) signed a cooperation agreement at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia. The agreement, signed by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and JBBA Chairman Todor Kesimov, aims to enhance media coverage of JBBA activities and events, and to collaborate on organizing future events that support mutual interests.
This partnership marks BTA’s seventh collaboration with a bilateral chamber, joining associations from Germany, Romania, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Valchev highlighted the timeliness of the agreement, noting Bulgaria’s active participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. He encouraged JBBA members to utilize BTA as a reliable platform for sharing initiatives, emphasizing the agency’s editorial independence in reporting economic news.
Kesimov expressed appreciation for the partnership, affirming that JBBA companies would fully leverage BTA’s support. The event also featured the announcement of a special bilingual issue of BTA’s LIK magazine, dedicated to Bulgaria’s history with world expos, including Expo 1970, and its longstanding ties with Japan.
This collaboration comes at a time of strengthening economic relations between Japan and Bulgaria. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 269.5 million, with Japan exporting USD 202 million worth of goods to Bulgaria, including cars, bi-wheel vehicle parts, and medical instruments.
Japanese direct investment in Bulgaria also saw significant activity, with USD 18.8 million invested in November 2024. Overall, foreign direct investment in Bulgaria stood at EUR 1.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 1.5% of the country’s GDP.
The JBBA-BTA agreement is expected to further enhance public awareness of Japanese investment in Bulgaria and foster stronger cultural and commercial relationships through consistent and strategic media engagement.
