The EU’s New Growth Hub: Bulgaria’s Economy and the Frontline of Business in Eastern Europe | EUの新たな成長拠点 ―ブルガリア経済と東欧ビジネス最前線―

The EU’s New Growth Hub: Bulgaria’s Economy and the Frontline of Business in Eastern Europe｜EUの新たな成長拠点 ―ブルガリア経済と東欧ビジネス最前線― Bulgaria is attracting attention as a new business destination in the EU market. This seminar will provide a clear explanation of the latest business trends, market attractiveness, and key points for entering the Bulgarian and Central and Eastern European regions. Companies seeking new business opportunities in the Central and Eastern European market are encouraged to participate in this event. EU市場への新たなビジネス展開先として注目されるブルガリア。 本セミナーでは、ブルガリアをはじめとする中東欧地域の最新ビジネス動向や市場の魅力、進出に向けたポイントを分かりやすく解説します。 中東欧市場での新たなビジネスチャンスを探る企業の皆様は、この機会にぜひ御参加ください。 Organisers: JETRO Co-organisers: Saitama Prefecture, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Japan, General Incorporated Association KyoLink 主催：ジェトロ埼玉 共催：埼玉県、駐日ブルガリア共和国大使館、一般社団法人KyoLink Place: Shibusawa MIX (5th floor, ekism Saitama Shintoshin, 4-262-18 Yoshikicho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City)[Regarding admission procedures] Shibusawa MIX can be accessed via the elevators at "ekism Saitama Shintoshin". *Please note that you cannot reach Shibusawa MIX (5th floor) by escalator. 渋沢MIX （さいたま市大宮区吉敷町4丁目262番18 ekismさいたま新都心 5階）【入館方法について】 渋沢MIXは「ekismさいたま新都心」のエレベーターでアクセス可能です。 ※エスカレーターでは渋沢MIX（5階）まで上がれません。 Registration: Link Participation fee: Free 参加費：無料 Capacity: 30 people (first-come, first-served basis) *We will only contact you if the capacity is reached. 定員：30名（先着順）※定員に達した場合のみご連絡します Programme 14:30-14:35: Greetings (Saitama Prefecture Innovation Creation Division) Part 1: An Introduction to Bulgaria's Economic Environment 14:35-14:55: "Bulgaria and Japan: Strategic Partners for Investment and Innovation" Speaker: Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tokyo, Japan A diplomat specialising in Japanese studies, she brings nearly 30 years of academic and professional experience related to Japan, including more than 15 years based in the country. Her diplomatic career also includes experience in China and senior positions at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has pursued academic training and research at Osaka University of Foreign Studies, Fudan University, and the University of Oxford. Her work focuses on strengthening political and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan and advancing collaboration in innovation, science and technology, education, and people-to-people exchange. 日本研究を専門とする外交官であり、約30年にわたる日本に関する学術・実務経験があるが、うち15年以上を日本で勤務。中国での外交経験やブルガリア外務省での要職も歴任。大阪外国語大学、復旦大学、オックスフォード大学で研修・研究を行う。日本ブルガリア間の政治・経済協力、イノベーション、科学技術、教育、人的交流の促進に取り組んでいる。 14:55 - 15:15: "From Encounters to Partnerships: Building Bridges Between Japanese Companies and Bulgaria. How KyoLink Connects Japan and Bulgaria Through Business" Speaker: Ms Vitanova Lidia, Representative Director and Co-founder, KyoLink Based in Japan for more than 15 years, she holds a PhD in Urban Climatology from the University of Tsukuba. Drawing on her extensive experience in Japan and strong networks in Bulgaria, she works to strengthen bilateral collaboration between Japan and Bulgaria in business, innovation, technology, and research. Through KyoLink, she supports companies and organisations in both countries in identifying the right partners and turning connections into concrete opportunities for collaboration. 日本で15年以上にわたり生活・活動し、筑波大学大学院で都市気候学を専門に博士号を取得しました。日本での長年の経験とブルガリアとのネットワークを活かし、ビジネス、イノベーション、テクノロジー、研究の分野で日本とブルガリアの二国間連携の強化に取り組んでいます。KyoLinkを通じて、日本とブルガリアの企業・団体のパートナー探しを支援し、具体的なコラボレーションの機会の創出につなげています。 15:15-15:25: Question and Answer Session Part 2: Economic Environment and Market Access in Central and Eastern Europe 15:25-15:55: "Economic Environment in Central and Eastern Europe and Tips for Market Entry" Lecturer: Fumi Jokura, Deputy Manager, European Affairs Division, Research Department, JETRO Joined the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in April 2011. Her previous roles include positions in the Intellectual Property Division, where she worked on brand protection; JETRO Kagoshima, where she supported the export promotion of local products; JETRO Geneva, where she promoted Japanese exports and facilitated investment by Swiss companies into Japan; and the Corporate Planning Division. She assumed her current position in July 2026 and is responsible for research and analysis on Europe. 2011年4月 日本貿易振興機構（ジェトロ）入構。知的財産課（ブランド保護）、ジェトロ・鹿児島事務所（県産品輸出促進）、ジェトロ・ジュネーブ事務所（日本産品の輸出振興、スイス企業の日本への投資誘致など）、企画課などを経て2026年7月から現職。欧州地域調査を担当。 15:55 - 16:00: Question and Answer Session 16:00-16:10: Break Part 3: Networking (Social Gathering) 16:10-16:30: Networking