Ningbo strengthens ties with Bulgaria businesses

Mihaela meets with a representative of a Ningbo-based company. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Ningbo continues to strengthen trade and cultural ties with Bulgaria, as the city hosted the Discover Bulgaria: Ningbo-Bulgaria Cosmetics Industry Matchmaking and Exchange Event at the China (Ningbo) Central and Eastern European Youth Innovation Center on Nov 8.

The event brought together more than 30 Bulgarian representatives from government, media, and business in agriculture and cosmetics, facilitating direct exchanges with Ningbo enterprises.

Mihaela Aprilova, visiting Ningbo for the first time on behalf of her company, highlighted the efficiency of entering the Chinese market and expressed eagerness to explore further partnerships, noting her company had secured five distributors in just six months since participating in the China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo.

Local companies also showcased opportunities for collaboration. Zhou Fang, chairperson of Ningbo Scientz Biotechnology Co, extended partnership invitations and presented her calligraphy to Bulgarian guests. She said that her firms, specializing in plant extraction equipment and medicinal plant research, hope to develop mutual cooperation in essential oils — leveraging Bulgaria's expertise to serve Chinese consumers while helping Bulgarian companies reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Bulgarian guests responded enthusiastically to Ningbo's outreach. John Ivanov noted that his brand, AFU, has been a top seller on Chinese e-commerce platforms for five consecutive years, demonstrating the country's enormous consumer market potential.

The exchange also highlighted growing trade ties: in 2024, Ningbo's total imports and exports with Bulgaria reached $220 million, with cosmetics, personal care, and food products among the main categories.