Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Lilyana Pavlova and the Minister of Transport of the PRC Yang Chuantang establish a common program for infrastructure projects. This emerged from the meeting between the three ministers and managerial representatives in China - Director "International Activities" Zhang Dawei, Director "Planning" Chen Shengying and Director Ren Weimin responsible for highways.

Minister Yang Chuantang opened the meeting stating that the talks between the two countries in the recent years have been fruitful. He added that the Fourth meeting in the format "16 + 1" and the initiative "One belt one road" are an exceptional opportunity for development of relations between Eastern Europe and China. This is the second meeting of Ministers Ivaylo Moskovski and Lilyana Pavlova and Minister Yang Chuantang after the meeting last year in Belgrade.

The talks continued with a presentation by Minister Ivaylo Moskovski on the structure of MTITC and the good level of cooperation and coordination with the MRDPW. Minister Moskovski pointed out that the presence of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in a delegation that includes a Deputy Prime Minister and six ministers of his team is a clear expression of respect and request for active participation in major investment projects between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Lilyana Pavlova announced that she is responsible for the overall investment process for projects in all areas - road, water, rail and others. Minister Pavlova declared her readiness to assist in the implementation of joint projects.

The talks continued with Minister Moskovski presenting the project for construction of the railway line Rousse - Varna and the opportunities for the realization of intermodal transport connecting river-sea-rail-airport.

Minister Ivaylo Moskovski and Minister Lilyana Pavlova, together with Minister Yang Chuantang agreed to develop a common program for infrastructure projects in all sectors in Bulgaria. A thorough plan will be prepared by the administrations of the two countries will be discussed in future meetings.

The talks touched upon the issue of the development of the Bulgarian railways. Ivaylo Moskovski said that "BDZ-Cargo" has a good market share and has the potential for development. The Minister reminded that during his tenure as Deputy Minister in the period 2009 - 2010 he held talks with Chinese investors on the joint production of trains and hopes the idea would be resumed.

On the territory of Bulgaria several trans-European corridors intersect and some major routes linking the Middle East to Europe pass through the country, continued his presentation Minister Moskovski. He commented on the structural changes carried out in some sectors, stressing that he hopes for a friendly support by China for their implementation in the right direction.

Minister Yang Chuantang stated that today's meeting is symbolic for the joint activities and implementation of common projects. Ivaylo Moskovski brought up the issue of an air line between Sofia and Beijing, or any other city in the People's Republic of China. The Bulgarian government and administration have carried out actions for its implementation and it is now necessary for Bulgarian and Chinese carriers to sign an agreement for operation. Minister Moskovski said that this will improve communication at a business level.