LB Bulgaricum EAD, Meiji to set up joint research laboratory in Bulgaria

Bulgarian state-owned company LB Bulgaricum and Japanese giant Meiji signed a contract to establish a world-class joint research laboratory. The official ceremony was attended by interim Economy Minister Petko Nikolov and Japanese Ambassador Michigami Hisashi, the ministry said.

The lab will study Bulgarian sourdough starter and yoghurt for health benefits. One of the subjects of research will be the bacterial species Lactobacilus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilius, which are of Bulgarian origin, isolated on Bulgarian territory and the exclusive property of Bulgaria.

The agreement is for a 10-year strategic partnership. The high-tech centre will be located in Sofia and will be staffed by scientific teams from both countries.