Addressing the 10th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM10) in Milan Thursday, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said that Southeast Europe is a strategic bridge linking Europe and Asia and can contribute much more in encouraging trade between the two continents, said the Presidential Press Secretariat.
He added that the countries of Southeast Europe now are not divided by iron curtains, share a common vision for a European future and work for linking up their transport, rail and energy systems.
According to the President, Bulgaria has a fine reputation in Asia as a reliable partner and maintains fruitful cooperation with many Asian countries. With its geographic location, Bulgaria is a natural door to Europe for Asian businesses and could become a transit hub for Asian imports. "Being a member of the EU, we offer some of the best conditions to foreign investors: low production costs, qualified labour and free access to the single European market," the President said. He added that many companies from Asia have already gained by setting foot in Bulgaria and the region.