This is far from reflecting the potential and possibilities of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. This was said during Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s meetings with Moldovan officials during his visit to Moldova on July 27-28.
During the visit, the Bulgarian prime minister signed an agreement under which the Taraclia University officially became a branch of the A. Kynchev Rusen University, Bulgaria. The sides also discussed Bulgaria’s support for Moldova’s European path and the consolidation of bilateral economic ties. The sides discussed cooperation in the energy sector. In particular, the participation of both countries in regional infrastructure projects and closer cooperation between Energocom and Bulgartransgaz.
To date, the biggest Bulgarian investment in Moldova is the acquisition in 2019 by Doverie United-Holding of shares in Moldindconbank, the second largest bank in Moldova by capital. It owns 79.2% of its shares.
Bilateral trade between the countries has declined markedly in recent years, with Moldovan exports to Bulgaria falling by almost 40%. The negative balance has grown noticeably. The reasons lie in the pandemic, the events in Ukraine and the unfavorable global economic context, which have greatly hampered the development of bilateral ties and investment activities in recent years. Now both countries intend to “shift the political dialog to the sphere of economy and concrete projects”.
During his visit to Moldova, Rosen Zhelyazkov met his Moldovan counterpart Dorin Recean. The sides mentioned several joint Bulgarian-Moldovan projects realized in the south of Moldova and in Taraclia district. Among them are the construction of 15 kilometers of water pipeline, modernization of three schools, rehabilitation of 26 kilometers of roads, as well as equipping the district hospital in Taraclia with modern medical equipment. Another joint project is planned to develop a park in the city center.
The Bulgarian prime minister also held meetings with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.
