NEW DELHI, 13 September 2007 — Stressing the need to increase trade with India, Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev, who is currently visiting India, expressed dissatisfaction at the volume of bilateral annual trade.
“I must say as prime minister, I am not satisfied with the volume of our turnover, which is less than $100 million per year, which is quite lower than what it used to be in the 1980s. But perhaps it reflects the changes in our economies, trade partners and some other things but definitely is below the potential of the two countries,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Stanishev said that Bulgaria was keen to take the “strategic relationship between India and the European Union to a new height.”
Acknowledging that the two countries enjoy “excellent bilateral relations,” Stanishev said that they have been “supporting each other’s cause at international forums.”
He also pointed to there being “enough scope” to enhance partnership between the two countries in areas of science and trade.
At present, India’s bilateral trade with Bulgaria stands at $79 million, with exports amounting to $40 million and imports to $39 million. While India exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and non-ferrous metals to Bulgaria, inorganic chemicals, wheat, iron and steel machinery figure among India’s imports.
Stanishev’s visit holds added importance, as he is the first Bulgarian head to visit India in nearly 30 years. Stanishev held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday evening.
Earlier in the day, he called on President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari, and addressed the chambers of commerce yesterday afternoon. He also met United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani.
Indo-Bulgarian relationships have in recent years been “strengthened by convergences in world view of the two countries.” This is marked by Bulgaria’s support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council.
Bulgaria also supported India in elections to the Human Rights Council in May 2006 and May 2007. Bulgaria, like India, seeks the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which is being negotiated at the UN.
Stanishev, who arrived here on Monday evening on a weeklong tour, is scheduled to visit Agra, Bangalore and Chennai before returning home.
