China has shown big interest in the Bulgarian government's decision to grant a concession on Sofia Airport, Delyan Dobrev, an MP from main ruling party GERB, has said.

In an interview with daily Standart following his return from an official visit to China, Dobrev has made clear the concession procedure for Sofia Airport was high on the agenda, along with that of Plovdiv Airport.

"The more participants from all around the world we have in these two procedures, the better the final result will be," he has told the paper.

The tender for Sofia Airport's concession was opened early in June following an earlier government decision.

Like Sofia Airport, the one of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-biggest city, is also offered for a 35-year concession. It is reportedly attractive to Chinese investors due to the easy link in provides with the now developing Euro-Chinese Economic Development Zone within a booming industrial zone near the city.

Asked if a dialogue with China will be continued on prospective new investment, he confirmed, adding the process would require an active attitude as Beijing is exploring options to invest in countries along the co-called New Silk Road.   

Earlier in June, a Reuters report suggested China was considering investment in Bulgaria that could amount to EUR 2 B and included luxury properties, an airport, and a lead/zinc mien in the country.