Between March 15–21, 2026, a delegation of the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria paid an official visit to Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwanese government. The main highlight of the program was participation in the 9th edition of the Yushan Forum—one of the leading global platforms for dialogue on security, sustainability, and international cooperation.
The delegation, led by Dr. Solomon Passy, included representatives from academia, politics, and the expert community, and carried out an intensive program of high-level meetings, institutional visits, and participation in strategic discussions.
Participation in the Yushan Forum and High-Level Meetings
During the forum, the Bulgarian delegation took part in key panels, including discussions focused on social resilience, security, and the role of public-private partnerships.
A particularly significant contribution was made by Dr. Solomon Passy, who participated as a panelist in a session dedicated to building consensus on security issues through cooperation between the public and private sectors.
In parallel, a series of high-level meetings were held, including with the President and Vice President of Taiwan, as well as with representatives of key ministries and institutions—foreign affairs, interior, economy, and environment.
These meetings laid the foundation for deepening bilateral dialogue and highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation between Bulgaria and Taiwan in strategic areas.
Innovation, Technology, and Investment: A Forward-Looking Focus
A substantial part of the program was dedicated to visits to key innovation and technology centers. The delegation visited Taiwan Tech Arena and held meetings with representatives of major investment entities, including Taiwania Capital, where concrete opportunities for joint initiatives and investments in Bulgaria and Europe were discussed.
Particular interest was generated by the potential for cooperation in startup ecosystems, artificial intelligence, and high-tech industries, as well as opportunities to engage Taiwanese partners in future initiatives of the Atlantic Club, including within the HELLO SPACE festival.
Visits to World-Class Scientific and Technological Centers
As part of the visit, the delegation toured Hsinchu Science Park—one of Asia’s most significant technology hubs, representing a comprehensive ecosystem of high-tech companies, research institutes, and innovation centers.
Meetings were also held at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), where the latest developments in space technologies, microelectronics, precision medicine, biotechnology, and digital solutions were presented.
The visit to the Smart City Summit & Expo 2026 further enriched the program by showcasing innovative solutions in urban technologies, sustainable development, and the digitalization of public services.
Cultural and Institutional Exchange
The program also included visits to key cultural and historical sites, as well as meetings with representatives of parliamentary committees and institutions engaged in foreign policy and defense.
These elements contributed to a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s societal and institutional environment, while fostering sustainable interpersonal and institutional connections.
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
The visit to Taiwan outlined a number of concrete opportunities for follow-up actions—from deepening expert exchange and participation in joint initiatives to developing investment partnerships and building long-term ties with leading innovation ecosystems.
Special attention was given to the potential for cooperation in space technologies, digital transformation, education, and entrepreneurship—areas of strategic importance for both Bulgaria and the European Union.
The delegation returns with a clear vision for the next steps, new partnerships in development, and valuable practical experience that will serve as a foundation for future joint initiatives between Bulgaria and Taiwan.
