PM Borissov: 'We Expect New Stage in Economic Relations between Bulgaria and Uzbekistan'

Tashkent, May 18 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Uzbekistan' Deputy Prime Minister Gulomjon Ibragimov unveiled an oil recycling plant, a joint venture of Bulgaria's Prista Oil and the Uzbek state company, Uznefteproduct, the Government Press Service said on Wednesday. The ceremony marked the beginning of the 20th Uzbekistan International Oil and Gas Conference. The event is taking place in Tashkent with the participation of 200 companies from 26 countries.

PM Borissov is on a visit to Uzbekistan.

The Bulgarian-Uzbek joint venture is located in the town of Angren and was unveiled through a telebridge. Prime Minister Borissov outlined the advantages of the new facility: environment protection, oil product manufacture and opening of new jobs.

The high-tech plant, in which 15 million US dollars have been invested, will process 43,000 tonnes of spent oils and will produce 30,000 tonnes of base oils.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov thanked President Islam Karimov for the conditions created for the development of bilateral economic relations. "Bulgaria looks upon Uzbekistan as an old friend with possibilities for cooperation not only in energy but also in agriculture and tourism and as a bridge to Central Asia. I believe that our relations set an example for good cooperation and friendship in this complex world and I hope that we begin a new stage, which stimulates the business contacts between the two countries," Borissov also said.

Later in the day, he will have an one-to-one meeting with Karimov, at which the two interlocutors are expected to discuss the possibilities for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations.