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Monday, January 24, 2011 3:03 PM Radio Bulgaria Life Bulgaria and the world
New Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria with highlights of 2011 Japanese embassy's programme
Earlier this week Japan´s new Ambassador to Bulgaria Makoto Ito gave his first press conference for Bulgarian mass media at the Japanese embassy residence. He presented his credentials to Bulgaria’s president Georgi Parvanov 29 November last year. At the conference he outlined the highlights of the embassy’s economic and cultural programme for 2011.
Among the most significant events in the programme calendar is the current working visit of Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov to Japan 22-26 January. Premier Borissov is expected to meet with his counterpart Naoto Kan to exchange opinions on bilateral relations and international affairs.
In April the Japanese embassy will carry out a Japanese Public Speech contest, it also emerged. Over the last few years, the Bulgarians who study Japanese have reached 1000 across Bulgaria. “I sincerely hope that the competition will encourage the perseverance of those dedicated to the Japanese language”, Mr. Ito commented.
He also highlighted the opening of an exhibition by contemporary Japanese photographers at the Sofia-based National Art Gallery in April, as well as the 22nd Days of Japanese Culture that usually take place in late Autumn. The Japanese government will provide grants to the National Art Gallery in the form of new digital cameras and new audio and restoration equipment, the ambassador said further.
Despite the prevailing number of cultural events in the Japanese programme, the main topic seemed to revolve around Bulgarian-Japanese economic relations. Since Bulgaria's transition to democracy, Japan has granted the country about EUR 800 million for infrastructure and technical support, Mr. Ito said and added:
“When Bulgaria joined the EU the character of Japanese-Bulgarian bilateral relations changed and from relations in which economic assistance was of primary importance, we moved to relations of mutual cooperation at different levels. I hope that in the future our two countries will keep enhancing cooperation and friendship as equal partners and on the basis of mutual respect and good will. Along with the governmental dialogue, the Japanese side will boost industry, the private sector, as well as projects at regional and other levels. In this sense, I will do my best to strengthen economic cooperation in the spheres of business, direct investment and others”, Japanese ambassador to Bulgaria said.
Over recent years, Japan’s major investment interests have been in energy, healthcare and auto parts. So far, the country has invested in the construction of a wind farm on the Northern Black Sea coast, Tokuda Hospital in Sofia, which is equipped with the latest medical technology, as well as the Yazaki auto part factories. Here is again Ambassador Ito speaking on Japan’s investment interests and the necessary business environment in Bulgaria:
“When we speak of Japanese investments we mean in most cases long-term and large-scale commitments, such as initial investments in capacities and equipment, opening new jobs, etc. Therefore, Japanese investors look for good investment solutions and to that end Bulgaria needs reliable business environment, as well as transparent, predictable and effective administration. In this sense, the Japanese embassy will work for more active exchange of business representatives from both countries and the exchange of information between them in an attempt to bolster mutual cooperation and economy-wise activities.”
Although some Japanese companies have moved away from Bulgaria for financial reasons, there are now companies working towards several concrete projects and the utilization of renewable energy sources. It is very important that Bulgaria passes laws to regulate the use of alternative energy sources, Ambassador Ito pointed out.
“When we talk about the enhancement of Bulgarian-Japanese economic relations I hope that there will be more trading between the two countries, as well as more investors and tourists, Makoto Ito went on to say. This is a task of the private sector and so the Japanese government is limited in its actions. Yet, as an ambassador, I would like to lend indirect support in furthering the economic ties between Japan and Bulgaria”, Mr. Makoto Ito said in conclusion.
In 2009 Bulgaria marked the 50th anniversary of Bulgarian-Japanese diplomatic relations. According to the new ambassador Japan has a friendly attitude towards Bulgaria, sharing common values with it. Bulgaria on its part is becoming an ever more important partner of Japan.
written by: Vyara Popova
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