2007年1月1日,保加利亞加入歐盟,被看作中保關系及中國-歐盟關系上的重要事件,其影響可謂深遠。在過去若干年,中保兩國關系不斷取得新的發展。2006年11月,兩國簽署聯合聲明,將兩國關系上升為“全面合作伙伴關系”。2009年,中保兩國又將迎來建交60周年。在這一系列具有歷史意義的重大事件當中,究竟蘊含著哪些雙邊關系發展的機遇?帶著這樣的問題,本刊專訪了保加利亞駐華特命全權大使格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫。
保中友誼在歐盟里繼續發揚
《亞洲財富論壇》:大使閣下,明年中保兩國將迎來建交60周年。請您簡要闡述兩國關系的發展狀況。
格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫:首先,我要強調的是,保加利亞與中國之間有著長期的傳統友誼,我們的友誼可以回顧到1949年。保加利亞是最早承認中華人民共和國的國家之一。
2007年1月1日,保加利亞加入歐盟,也因此贏得了“中國在歐盟里最老的朋友”這樣一個值得驕傲的稱謂,為我們的傳統友誼翻開了新的一頁。我們把與中國的傳統友誼帶入歐盟,同時也分享中國與歐盟業已形成的良好的戰略伙伴關系。
2006年11月,保加利亞總理謝爾蓋·斯塔尼舍夫訪華,與中國總理溫家寶簽署了聯合聲明,將兩國關系上升為“全面合作伙伴關系”。這一聯合聲明,使得保加利亞在加入歐盟后,促進中國與歐盟的關系發揮積極的作用。這里有一個最直接的例子。我們知道,歐盟與中國曾簽署協議,根據該協議,雙方互為旅游目的地。保加利亞加入歐盟后,就有機會分享該協議的成果,吸引大批中國游客前往保加利亞旅游。
雙邊貿易發展強勁,貿易逆差逐步平衡
《亞洲財富論壇》:目前雙邊貿易關系發展如何?
格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫:兩國經貿合作關系也呈現出不尋常的發展勢頭。保加利亞官方統計顯示,2007年保中貿易額達到9.25億美元,比上年增長約9倍。這其中,保加利亞向中國出口為9400萬美元,而中國向保加利亞的出口為8.3億美元。并且,雙邊貿易額呈現出繼續增長的勢頭。

目前,雙邊貿易逆差為7.3億美元,這是我們必須關注的。雖然,我們知道這是由于中國與世界其他國家的總體貿易形勢所決定的,但我們很難對此表示滿意。保加利亞目前主要向中國出口初級工業產品,例如金屬、化學制品等等,而在我們看來,保中雙邊貿易還有很大發展潛力,尤其對于保加利亞向中國的出口而言。有鑒于此,我們十分贊賞中國政府相關部門本著平等互利的原則,多次主辦貿易促進和商務交流活動,從而不斷加深了中國商界對包括保加利亞在內的歐盟貿易伙伴潛力的了解。
例如,去年11月,中國商務部在北京組織了一場商品展銷會,來自歐盟國家的參展商在這次展會上展出了商品。另外,中國西部國際博覽會組委會還特意為來自中東歐國家的參展商精心安排了日程。在這些展會上,參展商所在國駐華使館不僅可以利用展位,而且還可以通過各種論壇和研討會來介紹該國的投資環境、貿易潛力等等。
為了縮小逆差,平衡雙邊貿易,我們與中國商務部合作,共同啟動了一個促進保加利亞工業發展的工程。這是一個長期工程,由中國商務部和保加利亞經濟與能源部共同執行,所涉及的領域和產品的選定是以保加利亞國家出口戰略為依據的。在啟動階段,最有可能生產保加利亞的酒類及相關產品,比如用玫瑰油制成的產品,我們希望在這些產品的基礎上開發新的工業和產品。
渴望中國投資,培育巨大市場
《亞洲財富論壇》:自由貿易是當今世界廣泛奉行的貿易原則,而投資是直接影響自由貿易發展的重要因素。您怎樣評價兩國投資關系的發展?
格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫:我認為,中國目前對保加利亞的投資還未達到令人滿意的程度。自從上世紀90年代保加利亞完成了從中央計劃經濟向市場經濟過渡以來,保加利亞已經獲得了完全市場經濟地位的承認。自2007年1月1日保加利亞正式成為歐盟成員以來,GDP年均增長率達到6%以上,并由此創造了歐洲最好的稅收環境。保加利亞投資前景廣闊,我們有信心得到中國政府和商業界的廣泛關注,因為他們會明白,現在投資保加利亞,得到的將是一個在歐盟最具有潛力的市場。
保加利亞正在成為東南歐的投資熱點。根據世界銀行的評價,在過去兩年,保加利亞國民經濟中,投資在GDP當中所占比重是最高的,目前已經吸引超過30%的外國資本進入該地區。保加利亞人口不到800萬,按照人均占有外商直接投資計算,在歐洲中部和東部遙遙領先。這說明,保加利亞是歐洲最具有活力的經濟體,對外資最具有吸引力。
根據穆迪的評價,保加利亞吸引外資的最大理由在于“優越的戰略地理位置,高素質的熟練工人,優秀的技術培訓,最有競爭力的成本價格,健康的法律環境,以及作為歐盟成員國的資格等等”。更重要的是,保加利亞社會政治穩定,各民族和宗教之間相互包容使得社會健康發展,所有這些保證了保加利亞從過去的中央計劃經濟向市場經濟過渡的過程中沒有發生任何政治騷亂。
奧運會、世博會,商機無限
《亞洲財富論壇》:北京2008年奧運會和上海2010年世博會是中國將要舉行的大型國際盛會。您怎樣評價其中所包含的機遇?
格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫:北京2008年奧運會和上海2010年世博會,以及諸多的國際大型友好交流活動,都將為促進在貿易、經濟、體育、文化、旅游等領域的雙邊及多邊交流與合作創造機遇。當奧運會舉辦時,北京將成為全世界矚目的焦點。對于全世界而言,奧運會將成為真實全面了解北京的現代化發展以及未來前景的好機會。我相信,北京奧運會將是激動人心的。我祝愿保加利亞運動員和中國運動員在奧運會上取得成功。
上海世博會也是一個促進保中雙邊經濟貿易合作的重要平臺。保加利亞已經確認將參加上海世博會,目前正在與上海總領事館保持密切聯系,積極備戰世博會。上海,作為中國的經濟和金融中心,每天都吸引了大量保加利亞商人到訪,積極尋求在中國的投資之路。同時,保加利亞也很重視吸引中國投資,以逐漸平衡與中國的貿易逆差,這將大大有助于拓展兩國經貿合作的潛力。
此外,我期待在2009年保中雙邊關系能有更新的發展和突破,因為2009年將迎來保中兩國建交60周年。目前,我們兩國都在積極地做著準備,以迎接這個歷史性的時刻。屆時,將有許多高層互訪活動,以及舉辦貿易論壇和文化活動等等。
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.
能夠借此機會向 《亞洲財富論壇》 的讀者們致以最親切的問候,我深感榮幸!
作為中國的友好國家,保加利亞將全力支持2008北京奧運會。我相信,由于中國政府的出色工作,2008北京奧運會定能圓滿成功。在此,我祝愿中國和保加利亞奧運代表團取得好成績。
——保加利亞駐華特命全權大使 格奧爾基·佩伊奇諾夫
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.
對于中國的兄弟姐妹們在地震中所遭受的苦難,我們坦桑尼亞人民感同身受!盡管如此,我們對于北京成功舉辦2008年夏季奧運會充滿信心和期待。我們祝愿 《亞洲財富論壇》 越辦越好!
——坦桑尼亞聯合共和國駐華特命全權大使 奧馬爾·拉馬丹·馬普里
Please accept my best wishes for a very successful 2008 Beijing Olympics in August. I look forward to further success of Asia Fortune Forum。.
請接受我對友好的中國人民最誠摯的問候,并預祝北京奧運會成功!同時,我希望 《亞洲財富論壇》 再創佳績!
——伊拉克使館臨時代辦 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.
我將全力支持2008年北京奧運會。我相信,8月在北京召開的第29屆夏季奧運會將成為歷史上最成功的奧運會。我相信,《亞洲財富論壇》 將充分履行其使命,并取得圓滿成功!
——卡塔爾國駐華特命全權大使 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,雖然經歷了地震災難,中國仍將舉辦一場令世界矚目的奧運盛會。我向 《亞洲財富論壇》 致以最美好的祝愿:祝你們成功,不辱使命!
——馬其頓駐華特命全權大使 法特米爾·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,中國人民必將克服一切困難,舉辦一屆成功的奧運會!對于這個國家來說,前途是無量的!
——沙特阿拉伯王國駐華特命全權大使 葉海亞·載德
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,中國人民的集體主義精神終將戰勝地震災難,并且依靠這種精神,順利地舉辦2008年北京奧運會。我想借此機會表達我最美好的祝愿:祝愿2008年北京奧運會在8月里取得圓滿成功。
——馬來西亞駐華特命全權大使 賽義德·諾爾扎曼
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.
我相信中國將成功地舉辦2008年夏季奧運會。我的這種信心是發自內心的,并不因為今年所發生的種種不幸而有所改變。奧林匹克精神以及來自同一個世界的同一個夢想必將在北京上空、在中國上空自由翱翔。
——老撾人民民主共和國駐華特命全權大使 維吉·欣達翁