The joint R&D laboratory of the LB Bulgaricum state-owned company and the Japanese Meiji Corporation will start functioning by the end of the year. The successful implementation of the project will promote research and technology cooperation between the two companies and will have a positive impact on bilateral economic partnership. This was stated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev at his meeting with Meiji Corp. senior staff members.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Bulgaria is determined to make up for the time wasted because of the political crisis and to continue to develop its excellent relations with the Japanese partners. “Meiji is more than a strategic partner. The corporation is Bulgaria’s ambassador in Japan for you bring the name of our country to each Japanese home,” Rumen Radev said.

The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the results of the joint operation of Meiji and LB Bulgaricum would be visible very soon – viz. scientific discoveries and the development of innovative functional foods and probiotics. Further, the Prime Minister said that the new joint research center would contribute even more to project a good image of Bulgaria in Japan.

For his part, Bunjiro Yao, Chief Operating Officer of the Food Segment at the Japanese food manufacturer, said that the cooperation would build on the existing partnership and would offer new opportunities of mutual benefit for both countries. Further, he said that the corporation intends to sell Bulgarian yoghourt not only in Japan but also in other Asian countries.

During the meeting Rumen Radev noted, inter alia, the importance of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Japan as he pointed out the growing percentage of Japanese investment in Bulgaria and the growing number of sectors where it is invested. The Prime Minister also emphasized the potential for the expansion of bilateral partnership in the sectors of energy, electronics and Artificial Intelligence.