A new business organization called the Chamber of Importers and Exporters in Bulgaria (CIEB) was presented by its founders at a press conference today at the National Press Club of BTA in Sofia.

The goal of the organization is to protect the interests of importers and exporters in our country, providing support to businesses in all dimensions – from legal and administrative assistance to support in creating a business and finding new contacts and clients.

According to Emilia Kehayova, chairwoman of CIEB, this new business organization was created by the real business in response to the real needs of the industry.

“Imports and exports are the backbone of the Bulgarian economy. Thousands of companies work daily with international markets, regulations, logistics and partners, but despite this, until now this sector did not have a single clear and representative voice. The Chamber is created precisely to fill this gap, to unite businesses in foreign trade and to make this industry visible, heard and protected,” said Kehayova.

She pointed out that the Chamber of Importers and Exporters in Bulgaria is a national organization that unites companies from different sectors with a common focus on international trade.

“Our goal is simple and clear – to protect the interests of importers and exporters, to create a better and more predictable working environment,” said Kehayova, adding that in our days businesses often remain alone against the changing regulations, administrative difficulties, logistical and market challenges, which is why the chamber aims to consolidate the voice of business.

Anna Boyanova, founder of the Chamber of Importers and Exporters in Bulgaria, stated that the organization is constantly in contact with small, medium and established companies that have the potential to develop imports and exports, but face the same difficulties and problems in their work, including lack of contacts, complex processes and uncertainty of where to start.

“The Chamber was created with the aim that it be a practical business platform, not as a formal structure, but to respond to the real needs of business,” said Boyanova.

Orientation in processes, clarity about the next steps, assistance in preparing for participation in international forums, press conferences and various types of exhibitions, as well as administrative and organizational assistance are among the examples of practical support that the new organization provides to its members, it became known from Boyanova's words.

“Our focus is on companies reaching the right partners and real business opportunities faster. For us, the chamber is a living business community in which membership has content through participation in events, exchange of experience and active connection between companies, creation of international contacts and partnerships,” she said. Boyanova specified that the focus of the organization is not only towards the countries of the Schengen area and the European Union, but also towards the countries neighboring Bulgaria that are not members of the EU. The organization also expects the EU trade agreement with India to have a positive impact on imports and exports.

Vladislav Velev, member of CIEB and representative of the company “Feni Solutions” EOOD, pointed out that imports and exports also include the movement of human capital.

“This is another item in this business, which often takes a position that is rather in the shadows. But I assure you that the regulations, under which we, the representatives of this business, fall, are far from less challenging and often our item from the business needs support in this otherwise difficult undertaking,” he said, adding that another central initiative of the organization is the implementation of artificial intelligence in the context of established business lines that suffer from poor digitalization.

Lawyer Veselin Rizov, a member of CIEB, stated that the chamber aims to protect the interests of its members, to participate in the legislative process, to consult and be consulted with state authorities, to provide expert opinions, to participate in working groups.

“As a serious problem, I can point out a lack of effective dialogue with the state. You know what has been happening in the last 4-5 years, a constant change of governments. This leads to serious problems for businesses, which are not solved, work is being done in pieces, and in the end it inflicts serious financial difficulties on businesses. I believe that the idea that my colleagues have realized is fruitful and positive, I believe that we can help our members purely legally,” said Rizov. He added that this also includes start-up companies, as the organization can provide them with free support in the processes of registering commercial companies. Rizov specified that with the assistance of European funds, up to 75 percent of the price for registering a trademark is covered, which can be useful for the members of the organization.

According to the chairwoman of CIEB, Emilia Kehayova, the chamber is in the process of expanding its membership base.

“The Chamber of Importers and Exporters in Bulgaria is an open platform for active business. This is an invitation to companies that work with international companies to unite, to be stronger, more efficient and better represented,” she said.

CIEB also announced the first business event organized by them, which will be held on February 17 in the city of Chorlu, Turkey. The one-day event will be held jointly with the local Chamber of Commerce, with more than 500 factories participating from the Turkish side, and a number of registered companies from various sectors such as energy, pharmacy and others already exist from the Bulgarian side. Those who wish to participate can find more information on the CIEB website.