The Chinese conglomerate "CITIC Construction" shows interest in the construction of the tunnel under Shipka and the motorway Rousse - Veliko Turnovo in Bulgaria. This was announced at the meeting of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Nikolay Nankov with representatives of the Chinese company, the press office of the ministry said on 14^th of May.

"It is high time to lay the foundations for a long-term and sustainable partnership between Bulgaria and the Chinese business," Minister Nankov said at the meeting.

During the conversation, the possibilities for signing a Memorandum of Cooperation including specific parameters for public-private partnership were discussed.

"I will be happy if we can make progress in our joint efforts to implement infrastructure projects in the form of a public-private partnership," the Minister stressed and added that the upcoming 16 + 1 forum will also contribute to the progress of business relations between Bulgaria and China. The initiative is aimed at fostering cooperation between China and the sixteen Central and Eastern European countries.

Sofia will host the Central and Eastern Europe – China ’16 + 1′ summit in 2018.