China to buy Bulgarian leaf

Speaking at a press conference in Sofia, China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang promised his Bulgarian counterpart, Boyko Borisov, that China would buy up to 10 million kg of leaf tobacco from Bulgarian farmers each year, according to a Novinite story relayed by the TMA.
The comments followed the conclusion of the 16+1 forum, an initiative by China aimed at expanding co-operation with 11 EU member states and 5 Balkan countries in the fields of investments, transport, finance, science, education, and culture.
Bulgaria produces about 25 million kg of tobacco each year, about 15-18 million kg of which comprises oriental tobacco.
China has for many years been expected to enter the market for classical oriental tobacco, an entry that, at this stage, could have a significant effect on the market.
Borisov was quoted as saying that Li had suggested that Bulgarian farmers should start growing ‘Chinese varieties of tobacco’ – perhaps Chinese styles of tobacco.