Bulgaria - An Innovative Partner: The Successes of the Trade Office in France

French business circles perceive Bulgaria as a country with high innovative potential, reported Nikolay Teoharov - trade representative in Paris, in an exclusive interview. The Trade and Economic Affairs Office (STEIV) in France won a prestigious award from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the best results in 2024.

Teoharov emphasized that his four-year mandate, which began in December 2022, is focused on building sustainable business bridges between the two countries. "We are purposefully working to attract French investments and support Bulgarian companies in entering new markets," he stated.

Gratitude was expressed to the Minister of Economy Petar Dilov and the ministry's leadership, as well as to Ambassador Radka Balabanova-Ruleva. Teoharov highlighted the importance of cooperation with various institutions, including the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.

France is establishing itself as an extremely important trade partner for Bulgaria, with active participation in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and innovations. The trade office is focused on facilitating business contacts and organizing targeted meetings with French companies.

Among the key achievements are successful participations in international exhibitions. For example, VivaTech in Paris was a platform for presenting Bulgarian high-tech solutions. In the tourism sector, an 8% increase in French tourists was recorded, thanks to a targeted marketing campaign.

International forums such as "Bulgaria Day in Marseille" and "Choose Bulgaria!" created additional opportunities for business communication. Particularly significant was the presentation of Bulgaria as an attractive investment destination to diplomats, economic leaders, and entrepreneurs.

The statistics are impressive: trade between the two countries in 2024 exceeded 2.6 billion euros, and direct investments reached 1.5 billion euros. Over 200 French companies have generated more than 10,000 jobs in Bulgaria.

Teoharov recommended that Bulgarian companies approach the French market professionally, which is extremely demanding in terms of quality and innovation. "Our role is to open doors and provide current market information," he emphasized.

Upcoming events include the World Nuclear Exhibition in November, the IFTM Top Resa tourism exhibition in September, and the textile industry forum "Who's Next Paris 2025". These platforms will create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

In conclusion, the trade representative expressed optimism about the future development of economic relations between Bulgaria and France, emphasizing the importance of long-term partnerships and an innovative approach.