► Over 350 Bulgarian companies are already engaged in the production of automotive components.
► 80% of the sensors used in all European vehicles are manufactured in Bulgaria.
A business forum on “Bulgaria – China: Cooperation in the Automotive Sector” was held in Sofia, organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) with the support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bulgaria. The event brought together over 50 Bulgarian and Chinese companies from the sector.
The forum was opened by the President of BCCI, Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, who emphasized that the event aimed to establish stronger contacts and promote more active cooperation in the future for the mutual benefit of the automotive industries in Bulgaria and China. “China’s impressive growth makes it a highly desirable partner,” Simeonov said, adding that Bulgaria had previously regretted not producing complete vehicles but only automotive components. However, this decision has proven advantageous, given Bulgaria’s relatively small domestic market, the dynamic distribution of brands in the sector, and the constantly growing number of vehicle users.
The President of BCCI, Mr. Simeonov, encouraged the Chinese companies to collaborate with the Bulgarian partners and to leverage Bulgaria’s engineering potential and business opportunities. “The country’s research and development capabilities should be utilized for tangible results, and innovations in the sector must be protected through patents,” he advised. According to Simeonov, such collaboration benefits not only Bulgaria but also the EU and China, as a competitive environment fosters better solutions.
The automotive sector in Bulgaria is poised for sustainable growth, with the industry ready to establish the country as a reliable and innovative partner in the European automotive ecosystem, stated Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov during the forum.
In his speech, Deputy Minister Barbalov highlighted the significant development of Bulgaria’s automotive industry. “Over 75,000 people are employed in the sector, across more than 350 companies. Bulgaria is strongly integrated into the European automotive ecosystem, with 80% of sensors for all European vehicles produced domestically,” he emphasized.
The Deputy Minister also underscored the stability and resilience of the Bulgarian economy. “In Q3 2025, GDP grew by 3.2% year-on-year and by 0.7% compared to the previous quarter, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute. This demonstrates a solid macroeconomic framework, providing a favorable environment for business and investment,” he noted.
“Bulgarian subcontractor companies, in turn, can offer foreign investors a workforce that is proven competitive in the European market, highly skilled, and technologically prepared,” Barbalov added.
The forum was also attended by H.E. Dai Qingli, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Bulgaria; Lyubomir Stanislavov, CEO and Board Member of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria; and Liu Wenzhi, Vice-President of the Association of Chinese Automobile Dealers.
Presentations were given by:
Shenyang Yunshang Shengmingao Technology Co. Ltd.
Hunan Cange Shuoche Automobile Service Co. Ltd
Bulgarian Automotive Industry EAD
Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.
Numerous bilateral business talks were held as well.