China increasingly important to Bulgaria as trade partner: economic analyst

China has become one of Bulgaria's major trade partners compared to a little more than 10 years, Olga Chugunska, economic analyst at Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said Friday.

"In 2001, China held the 19th place in Bulgaria's list of top importers, and 43rd place among export destinations, while last year China was the ninth largest Bulgarian partner in the two categories," Chugunska told a business seminar held in the BCCI.

According to her presentation, Bulgarian exports and imports to and from China amounted to 708 million U.S. dollars and 1.148 billion dollars in 2014 respectively. This, compared to 10 million U.S. dollars and 87 million U.S. dollars recorded in 2001.

Last year, Bulgarian companies made a breakthrough in the Chinese market in several commodity groups, including grains, wine and beer, and marble, where the values of exports increased significantly, Chugunska said.

For the first time, Bulgarian beer reached the Chinese market directly, she added.

In terms of tourism, the number of Chinese visiting Bulgaria has been increasing, reaching 13,986 people in 2014, while in 2011 it was 6,251. However, there are more opportunities, and relations between tour operators from both countries should be strengthened, she said. Endit