Memorandum of Cooperation Signed Between the Confucius Institute in Sofia and the Sino-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce

On April 8, the Confucius Institute in Sofia and the Sino-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce jointly signed a memorandum of cooperation for the “Chinese Language and Culture Learning Incentive Program.” The signing ceremony was attended by Wang Pujian, President of the Sino-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce; Wang Lijun, Executive Vice President; Aksiniya Koleva, Bulgarian Director of the Confucius Institute; Chen Ying, Chinese Director; and others.

Prior to the signing, both sides held talks. Chen Ying, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, reviewed the history of cooperation between the two parties, highlighted the development of the Institute’s flagship programs, and expressed gratitude for the Chamber’s long-standing support. Wang Pujian, President of the Sino-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Chamber’s development and expressed willingness to establish a cooperation mechanism with the Institute to jointly promote the development of Chinese language education locally.

Both sides agreed to jointly establish the “Chinese Language and Culture Learning Incentive Program,” which will support the Institute’s competition activities, reward outstanding students from Chinese language classes under its affiliated teaching institutions, further stimulate Bulgarian youth’s enthusiasm for learning Chinese, and expand the reach of the spread of Chinese culture.

The signing of this memorandum marks the formal establishment of a specialized cooperation mechanism between the Confucius Institute in Sofia and the Sino-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, creating a new model for jointly advancing language and cultural programs. In the future, both sides will continue to deepen cooperation and contribute to the development of Chinese language education in Bulgaria.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text and photos: Zhang Kaiyue

Editors: Chen Ying, Aksiniya Koleva, Ding Chen

English translation: Dima Pironkova