The current visit of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to Qatar will cement the growing ties between Doha and Sofia further. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had visited Bulgaria last year and many agreements were signed between the two countries in various fields.
Addressing the Qatari-Bulgarian Business Forum, the President of Bulgaria called for boosting Qatari investments in his country. The fact that his country’s GDP is growing at four percent, which is more than many economies in the region, makes it a very attractive option for Qatari investors. The bilateral trade volume has seen a slight increase from QR72.9m in 2016 to QR82m in 2018.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 90s and Bulgaria opened its embassy in Doha in 2009 and Qatar followed suit in three years time opening its embassy in Sofia.
The President pointed out that “Bulgaria has more than 200 companies producing spare parts for major international car companies in which the State of Qatar invests. The country’s exports to European countries are growing every year. Bulgaria also exports agricultural, industrial materials, and technology products and services to European countries.”
Relations between the two countries have been strengthened through mutual visits and active cooperation in various fields, both bilateral and multilateral.
More than 30 agreements and strategic arrangements have been signed between the governments of the two countries.
Qatar has recently been on a journey of expanding its investments around the world and building lasting ties with various friendly countries. The fact that even after the unjust blockade in June 2017, Doha managed to grow at a much higher pace than most countries in the region proves the strength of the economy, institutions and policies.
The number of projects related to the 2022 World Cup and other infrastructure development makes Doha a very attractive destination for major firms from Europe. Many such companies are currently working in various projects across the country.
A joint committee for economic cooperation between the governments of Qatar and Bulgaria has been established since 2009. There are advanced discussion happening to find ways to enhance the relation between Bulgarian and Qatari companies. This will in turn strengthen the cooperation between the governments.
Qatar has always focused on building strong ties with other countries, which are based on trust, respect, peace, security and cooperation. These official visits by country’s leadership and leaders from corporate world will strengthen these relations further.
