SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS

Statement of President Rosen Plevneliev at the Summit of ASEM: "Promoting financial and economic cooperation through enhanced Europe-Asia connectivity"

President Van Rompuy,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

In our globalized world, European and Asian economies are closely interconnected. Asia is a strategic economic partner for Europe.  Together, we represent more than 50% of global GDP, 60% of the world population and we can prosper only through cooperation. We need to enhance our connectivity – better infrastructure, a better business environment favourable to the movement of goods, capital, services and people, and closer ties between our business communities.

The EU - ASEAN Dialogue on Connectivity, that started this February, is a good example of exchanging experience and good practices with ASEAN partners.
It is in our best interest to further develop our transport connections. This will stimulate trade exchange and economic cooperation.

A shared long-term vision and joint efforts are needed in order to enhance Europe-Asia connectivity. The region of South East Europe is strategically located to serve Europe - Asia trade exchange. There is no more Iron Curtain on the Balkans. Today, we are at peace with our neighbours. Together we build bridges, highways, high-speed railways, and energy links. The Balkans are a bridge between our two continents that are becoming more and more interconnected.

With its strategic location in South East Europe, Bulgaria is a gateway to Europe and could become a transit hub for Asian goods. As an EU member, my country offers very favourable economic conditions – individual and corporate flat tax of 10%, low production costs, qualified working force, free access to the EU market. Many Asian companies have already benefited from this positive environment.

Bulgaria has a good reputation and is a trusted partner all over Asia.  We have fruitful partnerships with many Asian countries. Thousands of young people from Asia came to Bulgaria to study and work. Bulgarian products are traditionally well received in Asian markets. We are working to strengthen our ties with Asia. Bulgaria is popular in Asia as the country of roses, with healthy food and the most delicious yogurt, a country on the crossroad between Europe and Asia, with talented and well educated people, friendly and open to the world. Bulgaria is an environmentally friendly country where 1/3 of our territory is preserved under the highest ecological standards.

Bulgaria is one of the co-sponsors of the ASEM Sustainable Development Dialogue seminars aimed at sharing good practices and initiatives between the countries in the Danube and Mekong river basins.
The current situation in Europe has reminded us how vulnerable we are in terms of energy security. Asia can offer alternative sources and routes for energy supply.
We are ready to contribute to enhance ASEM partnership and host one of the next ASEM Informal Seminars on Human Rights.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world we live in is one of huge interdependency and connectivity. It is truly a global world and the challenges are global too. Nothing is more natural than working together to address those challenges. Initiatives like the Europe-Asia Meeting are the best way forward - 53 partners working for a more prosperous future. And today, we welcome two more - Croatia and Kazakhstan – our newest ASEM members. There is no "golden recipe" for prosperity and sustainable growth. But we should all work to modernize and secure a better future for our citizens through coordinated actions at a national, regional and global level.
 
Thank you!