13.06.2025 / The Director of APACCCEEC participated in a panel discussion on ‘Development of China’s Economy and Modernization and its Significance for Global Economic Cooperation’
On June 12, 2025, Dr. Momchil Stanishev, Director of APACCCEEC, participated in a panel discussion ‘Development of China’s Economy and Modernization, and its Significance for Global Economic Cooperation,’ organized jointly by the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) and China Media Group (CMG).
The panel discussion was opened by UNWE Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. In his video address, he emphasized that for over a decade we have witnessed China’s large-scale development and its tangible openness to international trade and markets. According to Prof. Dimitrov, these processes have led to a significant increase in investments and the establishment of new zones for economic and trade cooperation. Dr. Dimitrov added that direct Chinese investments in Bulgaria currently exceed USD 200 million, while cumulative investments have reached USD 600 million.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at UNWE, delivered a welcoming address on behalf of Dr. Georgi Tahov, Minister of Agriculture and Food. The address highlighted that the traditionally strong relations between Bulgaria and China continue to develop actively based on principles of balanced partnership and constructive dialogue. It was noted that Bulgarian agricultural exports have grown to USD 517 million, representing a year-on-year doubling of export volumes.
Dr. Momchil Stanishev extended congratulations to the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) on the occasion of the higher education institution’s upcoming 105th anniversary, highlighting the successful cooperation between APACCCEEC and UNWE. During his keynote address on “Agricultural Modernization and Partnership Opportunities Between Bulgaria and China,” the Center’s Director addressed current trends in agricultural modernization in the People’s Republic of China and identified potential opportunities to enhance cooperation between Sofia and Beijing.
APACCCEEC’s Director presented the Center’s current activities to the audience, including the Permanent Pavilion of CEE Countries opened in May 2025 in Ningbo, China, APACCCEEC’s participation with a Pavilion at the 4th China-CEEC International Expo, the meeting held on June 9 with a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its Apicultural Research Institute, the upcoming International Conference ’10 years APACCCEEC: Bridge for Cooperation between China and the CEE Countries’ on June 26, and the planned Rose Industry training seminars. Dr. Stanishev explained that cosmetics, wine production, and beekeeping are among the agricultural sectors generating the most interest among Chinese producers and distributors.
The panel discussion also featured notable speeches and remarks by H.E. Ms. Wang Ming, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the People’s Republic of China to Bulgaria; Ms. Iveta Balevska, official correspondent of China Media Group for Bulgaria; Ms. Maya Dimitrova, Member of the 51st National Assembly of Bulgaria and Chairperson of the Bulgaria-China Friendship Group in Parliament; and Mr. Mihail Mikov, lawyer and former Chairperson of the 42nd National Assembly.
