保加利亚,中国最老朋友间新型关系

　 保加利亚,中国最老朋友间新型关系

　 2007年1月1日，保加利亚加入欧盟，被看作中保关系及中国-欧盟关系上的重要事件，其影响可谓深远。在过去若干年，中保两国关系不断取得新的发展。2006年11月，两国签署联合声明，将两国关系上升为“全面合作伙伴关系”。2009年，中保两国又将迎来建交60周年。在这一系列具有历史意义的重大事件当中，究竟蕴含着哪些双边关系发展的机遇？带着这样的问题，本刊专访了保加利亚驻华特命全权大使格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫。

　保中友谊在欧盟里继续发扬

　《亚洲财富论坛》：大使阁下，明年中保两国将迎来建交60周年。请您简要阐述两国关系的发展状况。

　　 格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫：首先，我要强调的是，保加利亚与中国之间有着长期的传统友谊，我们的友谊可以回顾到1949年。保加利亚是最早承认中华人民共和国的国家之一。

　　2007年1月1日，保加利亚加入欧盟，也因此赢得了“中国在欧盟里最老的朋友”这样一个值得骄傲的称谓，为我们的传统友谊翻开了新的一页。我们把与中国的传统友谊带入欧盟，同时也分享中国与欧盟业已形成的良好的战略伙伴关系。

　　2006年11月，保加利亚总理谢尔盖?斯塔尼舍夫访华，与中国总理温家宝签署了联合声明，将两国关系上升为“全面合作伙伴关系”。这一联合声明，使得保加利亚在加入欧盟后，促进中国与欧盟的关系发挥积极的作用。这里有一个最直接的例子。我们知道，欧盟与中国曾签署协议，根据该协议，双方互为旅游目的地。保加利亚加入欧盟后，就有机会分享该协议的成果，吸引大批中国游客前往保加利亚旅游。

　双边贸易发展强劲，贸易逆差逐步平衡

　 《亚洲财富论坛》：目前双边贸易关系发展如何？

　格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫：两国经贸合作关系也呈现出不寻常的发展势头。保加利亚官方统计显示，2007年保中贸易额达到9.25亿美元，比上年增长约9倍。这其中，保加利亚向中国出口为9400万美元，而中国向保加利亚的出口为8.3亿美元。并且，双边贸易额呈现出继续增长的势头。

　目前，双边贸易逆差为7.3亿美元，这是我们必须关注的。虽然，我知道这是由于中国与世界其他国家的总体贸易形势所决定的，但我们很难对此表示满意。保加利亚目前主要向中国出口初级工业产品，例如金属、化学制品等等，而在我们看来，保中双边贸易还有很大发展潜力，尤其对于保加利亚向中国的出口而言。有鉴于此，我们十分赞赏中国政府相关部门本着平等互利的原则，多次主办贸易促进和商务交流活动，从而不断加深了中国商界对包括保加利亚在内的欧盟贸易伙伴潜力的了解。

　　例如，去年11月，中国商务部在北京组织了一场商品展销会，来自欧盟国家的参展商在这次展会上展出了商品。另外，中国西部国际博览会组委会还特意为来自中东欧国家的参展商精心安排了日程。在这些展会上，参展商所在国驻华使馆不仅可以利用展位，而且还可以通过各种论坛和研讨会来介绍该国的投资环境、贸易潜力等等。

　　为了缩小逆差，平衡双边贸易，我们与中国商务部合作，共同启动了一个促进保加利亚工业发展的工程。这是一个长期工程，由中国商务部和保加利亚经济与能源部共同执行，所涉及的领域和产品的选定是以保加利亚国家出口战略为依据的。在启动阶段，最有可能生产保加利亚的酒类及相关产品，比如用玫瑰油制成的产品，我们希望在这些产品的基础上开发新的工业和产品。

　渴望中国投资，培育巨大市场

　《亚洲财富论坛》：自由贸易是当今世界广泛奉行的贸易原则，而投资是直接影响自由贸易发展的重要因素。您怎样评价两国投资关系的发展？

　 格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫：我认为，中国目前对保加利亚的投资还未达到令人满意的程度。自从上世纪90年代保加利亚完成了从中央计划经济向市场经济过渡以来，保加利亚已经获得了完全市场经济地位的承认。自2007年1月1日保加利亚正式成为欧盟成员以来，GDP年均增长率达到6%以上，并由此创造了欧洲最好的税收环境。保加利亚投资前景广阔，我们有信心得到中国政府和商业界的广泛关注，因为他们会明白，现在投资保加利亚，得到的将是一个在欧盟最具有潜力的市场。

　　保加利亚正在成为东南欧的投资热点。根据世界银行的评价，在过去两年，保加利亚国民经济中，投资在GDP当中所占比重是最高的，目前已经吸引超过30%的外国资本进入该地区。保加利亚人口不到800万，按照人均占有外商直接投资计算，在欧洲中部和东部遥遥领先。这说明，保加利亚是欧洲最具有活力的经济体，对外资最具有吸引力。

　　根据穆迪的评价，保加利亚吸引外资的最大理由在于“优越的战略地理位置，高素质的熟练工人，优秀的技术培训，最有竞争力的成本价格，健康的法律环境，以及作为欧盟成员国的资格等等”。更重要的是，保加利亚社会政治稳定,各民族和宗教之间相互包容使得社会健康发展,所有这些保证了保加利亚从过去的中央计划经济向市场经济过渡的过程中没有发生任何政治骚乱。

　奥运会、世博会，商机无限

　 《亚洲财富论坛》：北京2008年奥运会和上海2010年世博会是中国将要举行的大型国际盛会。您怎样评价其中所包含的机遇？

　 格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫：北京2008年奥运会和上海2010年世博会，以及诸多的国际大型友好交流活动，都将为促进在贸易、经济、体育、文化、旅游等领域的双边及多边交流与合作创造机遇。当奥运会举办时，北京将成为全世界瞩目的焦点。对于全世界而言，奥运会将成为真实全面了解北京的现代化发展以及未来前景的好机会。我相信，北京奥运会将是激动人心的。我祝愿保加利亚运动员和中国运动员在奥运会上取得成功。

　　上海世博会也是一个促进保中双边经济贸易合作的重要平台。保加利亚已经确认将参加上海世博会，目前正在与上海总领事馆保持密切联系，积极备战世博会。上海，作为中国的经济和金融中心，每天都吸引了大量保加利亚商人到访，积极寻求在中国的投资之路。同时，保加利亚也很重视吸引中国投资，以逐渐平衡与中国的贸易逆差，这将大大有助于拓展两国经贸合作的潜力。

　　此外，我期待在2009年保中双边关系能有更新的发展和突破，因为2009年将迎来保中两国建交60周年。目前，我们两国都在积极地做着准备，以迎接这个历史性的时刻。届时，将有许多高层互访活动，以及举办贸易论坛和文化活动等等。

　Bulgaria, Old Friend Eyes New Friendship with China

　 By Sun Yongjian

　Bulgaria, one of the earliest countries to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1949, joined the European Union(UN) on January 1, 2007. In 2009, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the China-Bulgaria diplomatic relations. For this event, Asia Fortune Forum interviewed H.E.Mr. Georgi Peychinov,Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

　Asia Fortune Forum: Would you give us your opinion on the current situation of the economic and trade cooperation between China and Bulgaria?

　Georgi Peychinov: According to the Bulgarian statistical data the trade turnover between Bulgaria and China in 2007 was US$925.5 million, out of which the Bulgarian export to China was 94.5 million and the Chinese export to Bulgaria was US$830.7 million, i.e. we had a trade deficit of more than US$730 million. There is a noticeable trend of increasing the turnover on year to year basis in the recent years and consequently in the increasing of the Bulgarian trade deficit. The main groups of Bulgarian goods exported to China are products of the primary industries - metals, chemicals, etc. Of course we see that this is in correspondence with the overall situation in the commercial exchange between China and the world but that does not give us grounds for satisfaction. In our opinion there is much bigger potential for the development of the trade exchange and particularly for the development of the Bulgarian exports to China.

　In this line of thoughts we appreciate the position of the concerned Chinese authorities in their desire to stimulate the imports from the developed countries and particularly from the European Union member states, based of course on the fair competition, organizing different promotional activities and events so that the Chinese business circles can get acquainted with the export potential of their EU partners.

　Asia Fortune Forum: According to your opinion, are there any new opportunities to be eyed in the coming years, as the Olympic Year in Beijing and the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010?

　Georgi Peychinov: Events like the Beijing Olympics and the World Expo in Shanghai will naturally create plenty of favorable opportunities for the overall enhancement of multilateral exchange in the fields of trade, economy, sports, culture, tourism, etc., and in particular for the development of bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and China. Beijing has already attracted many foreign investors and tourists, more and more Bulgarians are also coming to visit the city in recent years, and by the time of the Olympics all the international attention will be focused upon the capital of China. In my opinion, the Beijing Olympics will give the world a chance to gain a true impression of China’s modern development and its future perspectives, thus contributing to the improvement of mutual understanding. I am convinced that the games will be an exciting event and I wish every success to the Bulgarian and Chinese athletes.

　As for the International Expo in Shanghai, it should be viewed as an important platform for the future development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Bulgaria has already confirmed its participation in the expo and is now focusing on the preparation in close collaboration with our Consulate General in Shanghai.

　Asia Fortune Forum:Would you give any suggestions to the Chinese Authorities to encourage the inland investment in China and enhance the bilateral business cooperation?

　Georgi Peychinov:We think that the Chinese authorities both on national and provincial level are doing very well their job attracting foreign direct investments. The figures for the last years show that these investments continue to grow.

　On the other hand we notice in the last years the trend of increasing the Chinese investments abroad as a way of using the accumulated very big foreign currency reserve. In a probable scenario that the Chinese export will continue to grow ? and we must confess this process is to the mutual benefit of both producers and importers ? we consider that an active involvement of China in FDI in other countries can appropriately offset the negative effects of the trade deficit.

　In this respect our estimate is that the volume of the Chinese investments in Bulgaria is not satisfactory. After Bulgaria started its way from centrally planned to market economy in the early 90's of last century it has totally transformed it and now Bulgaria has an approved market economy status.

　Being a full member of the European Union from January 1st, 2007, havinga stableannual growth rate of the GDP of more than 6%, enjoying one of the best tax environments in Europe ( with only 10 % corporate tax, being 0% for many municipalities with an unemployment rate higher than the average of countryand10% "flat" income tax and the possibility to export the profits ), our ambition is to draw the attention of the concerned Chinese authorities and the business circles of China, both government and private, to the bright prospects of investing in Bulgaria. Because they must not forget that by investing in Bulgaria now they are investing in the market with a tremendous potential of the European Union.

　It is great pleasure for me to address and to convey my warmest regards to the readers and the friends of Asia Fortune Forum!

　Bulgaria as a friendly country fully supports 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Taking into account the excellent job done by the Chinese authorities in preparing for the Games I am firmly confident that 2008 Olympics will process smoothly and successfully.

　I am very glad to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for both the Chinese and the Bulgarian Olympic teams and wish them successful attendance.

　能够借此机会向 《亚洲财富论坛》 的读者们致以最亲切的问候，我深感荣幸！

　作为中国的友好国家，保加利亚将全力支持2008北京奥运会。我相信，由于中国政府的出色工作，2008北京奥运会定能圆满成功。在此，我祝愿中国和保加利亚奥运代表团取得好成绩。

　 ――保加利亚驻华特命全权大使 格奥尔基?佩伊奇诺夫

　The people of Tanzania are sharing the moments of deep sorrow and grief with their Chinese brothers and sister, and are full of expectation for the tremendous success of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in August. We wish Asia Fortune Forum a splendid future.

　对于中国的兄弟姐妹们在地震中所遭受的苦难，我们坦桑尼亚人民感同身受！尽管如此，我们对于北京成功举办2008年夏季奥运会充满信心和期待。我们祝愿 《亚洲财富论坛》 越办越好！

　 ――坦桑尼亚联合共和国驻华特命全权大使 奥马尔?拉马丹?马普里

　Please accept my best wishes for a very successful 2008 Beijing Olympics in August. I look forward to further success of Asia Fortune Forum。.

　请接受我对友好的中国人民最诚挚的问候，并预祝北京奥运会成功！同时，我希望 《亚洲财富论坛》 再创佳绩！

　――伊拉克使馆临时代办 拉希姆?阿里?阿卜坦

　I would also offer my full support and best wishes for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and I am sure that China will host a wonderful and successful Olympic Games in Beijing, August 2008. I believe that Asia Fortune Forum will win a full success in its mission.

　我将全力支持2008年北京奥运会。我相信，8月在北京召开的第29届夏季奥运会将成为历史上最成功的奥运会。我相信，《亚洲财富论坛》 将充分履行其使命，并取得圆满成功！

　――卡塔尔国驻华特命全权大使 阿卜杜拉?穆夫塔赫

　I would like to offer my full support for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. I have full confidence that China will host a wonderful Olympic Games. I request the pleasure to offer my best wishes to Asia Fortune Forum for a perfect success in its mission.

　我深信，虽然经历了地震灾难，中国仍将举办一场令世界瞩目的奥运盛会。我向 《亚洲财富论坛》 致以最美好的祝愿：祝你们成功，不辱使命！

　 ――马其顿驻华特命全权大使 法特米尔?杰拉迪尼

　I am confident that the days ahead will be happy days celebrating the great success of the Olympics despite many obstacles that the great China went through.

　我相信，中国人民必将克服一切困难，举办一届成功的奥运会！对于这个国家来说，前途是无量的！

　――沙特阿拉伯王国驻华特命全权大使 叶海亚?载德

　I also believe that the collective spirit of the Chinese people will prevail over this calamity and the preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will continue to proceed smoothly. I take this opportunity to warmly extend my best wishes for a very successful 2008 Beijing Olympics in August.

　我相信，中国人民的集体主义精神终将战胜地震灾难，并且依靠这种精神，顺利地举办2008年北京奥运会。我想借此机会表达我最美好的祝愿：祝愿2008年北京奥运会在8月里取得圆满成功。

　　――马来西亚驻华特命全权大使 赛义德?诺尔扎曼

　It is my heartfelt wish and my confidence that, despite all those unfavorable condition, China will host the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games smoothly and successfully. The spirit of Peaceful Olympiad and One World One Dream will surely fly high in the blue sky of Beijing and China.

　我相信中国将成功地举办2008年夏季奥运会。我的这种信心是发自内心的，并不因为今年所发生的种种不幸而有所改变。奥林匹克精神以及来自同一个世界的同一个梦想必将在北京上空、在中国上空自由翱翔。

　　――老挝人民民主共和国驻华特命全权大使 维吉?欣达翁