Mayor Pencho Milkov presented Ruse's potential for economic, technological, and educational cooperation with partners from China.

Wednesday, 23 September 2026

At the invitation of representatives from China’s Hebei Province, the Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Pencho Milkov, participated in the China-Bulgaria Industrial Partnership Meeting 2026, held today in Sofia. The forum focused on establishing new contacts and exploring opportunities for cooperation between Ruse and Chinese partners in the fields of the economy, investment, technology, and education.

The meeting brought together representatives from institutions, the business community, and industry associations from both Bulgaria and China, as well as representatives from six enterprises based in Hebei Province. These companies operate in sectors such as photovoltaic technologies, energy storage systems, the electric power industry, charging infrastructure, advanced materials, and industrial technologies.

In his address, Pencho Milkov presented Ruse as a city with established industrial traditions, a strategic location on the Danube River and close proximity to Romania, a strong academic sector, and significant potential for developing high-value-added manufacturing and technologies. The Mayor noted that collaboration among universities, businesses, and young professionals could lay the foundation for the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and innovative ideas.

Milkov highlighted Angel Kanchev University of Ruse as a key driver of the city's development and a natural partner for international academic, scientific, and technological exchange. He also showcased the university's international expansion to the participants, specifically highlighting its branch in Taraclia, Republic of Moldova. "When discussing the future of relations between our countries, education, innovation, and youth development are of key importance. Long-term partnerships are built not only through investment and economic exchange but also through the sharing of knowledge, experience, and technology. It is crucial to create more opportunities for young people to develop their skills, realize their ideas, and actively participate in economic and technological development," Milkov emphasized.

The Mayor of Ruse invited the Chinese delegation to visit the city and spend a few days gaining firsthand insight into its economy, university, enterprises, and investment opportunities, as well as exploring the prospects Northern Bulgaria offers for establishing long-term partnerships.

At the initiative of the Chinese side, a memorandum was signed during the meeting, expressing interest in developing cooperation and preparing joint projects. The document lays the groundwork for further discussions and the definition of specific areas for partnership. The concrete parameters of potential future joint initiatives and projects will be discussed further, and—subject to agreement—will be formalized through separate agreements.

The forum also featured a presentation on the city of Cangzhou, a major industrial and logistics hub in Hebei Province. The city hosts the China-CEEC SME Zone—a platform for fostering economic and business relations between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Among the Chinese enterprises represented at the meeting were JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., SICON Chat Union Electric Co., Ltd., Hebei Jinzhuyou Plastic Technology Co., Ltd., Sunfly Holdings Co., Ltd., Cangzhou Qizhi Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd., and Hebei Yaoxun New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Their operations span sectors linked to modern industry and the energy transition—ranging from photovoltaic technologies and charging infrastructure to energy storage systems and new materials.

The Ruse delegation also included Milen Dobrev, Executive Director of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Engineer Valeri Andreev, a representative of the Chamber.

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