*Talks focus on economic, trade ties
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev held official talks at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday.
They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to boost them in all fields especially in agriculture, infrastructure, technology, education and complementary medicine.
The two leaders also touched on the Qatari-Bulgarian economic forum held in conjunction with Radev's visit, which would contribute to strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The talks also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest.
The talks were attended by Qatari ministers and members of the delegation accompanying Bulgarian president.
HH the Amir later hosted a luncheon banquet in honor of the Bulgarian president and the delegation accompanying him.
The banquet was attended by a number ministers.
Radev was earlier accorded an official reception ceremony at the Amiri Diwan.
The president and his accompanying delegation also visited the National Museum of Qatar.
Earlier speaking at the Qatari-Bulgarian business forum, Radev said his country's political ties with Qatar are strong, noting that the two sides are looking to build on those ties in the economic field as well.
Radev called for boosting Qatari investments in his country, pointing out that Qatar, which has considerable investment and resources, has sought to invest in major international countries and companies with proven results.
However, he pointed out that GDP growth rate in those countries ranged from 1 to 2%, while Bulgaria's GDP growth is currently 4%, arguing that this should give the country a priority in terms of Qatari investments abroad.
He highlighted that Bulgaria is the European focal point in information technology.
Speaking at the forum, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari said that last year's forum, which was held in Bulgaria, was an important opportunity to explore investment opportunities that serve the interests of both countries.
Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Economy, Alexander Manolev, hoped the forum would benefit building economic partnerships between the two countries through launching successful initiatives in the business and trade sectors.
He said that bilateral trade, which quintupled in the last decade, is not consistent with the level of political relations between the two countries.
Manolev gave a presentation of investment opportunities and incentives in his country which is one of the most competitive destinations in Europe.
He explained that his country offers the lowest corporate tax in Europe, as well as other encouraging legislations.
HE the Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani highlighted the Qatari investors' interest in exploring opportunities in Bulgaria which enjoys an open economy and a private sector that depends on industry, tourism, trade and services.
He also called on the Bulgarian businessmen to benefit from the investment incentives that Qatar offers to foreign investors, and referred to the new investment law which allows 100% ownership in most of the economic sectors.
The forum saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA) and the National Company Industrial Zones (NCIZ) in Bulgaria.
The MoU was signed by Business Development Manager at QFZA Hamad al-Mohannadi and CEO of NCIZ Antoaneta Bares.
The MoU aims at co-operation and expertise exchange between the two sides in the management of free and industrial zones.
