Bulgarian-Turkish Business Dialogue: New Horizons of Cooperation

During an official meeting between the management of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the newly appointed trade counselor in Ankara Angel Angelov, key aspects of bilateral economic cooperation were discussed. Angelov, who previously worked as a referent for Balkan and European countries in the Ministry of Economy and Industry, has extensive experience in diplomatic trade relations.

Tsvetan Simeonov presented detailed information about the current partnerships of the BCCI with various Turkish chambers of commerce and industry. The cooperation covers institutions in Istanbul, Bursa, Edirne, Çanakkale, and Izmir, including active interaction with the Turkish Union of Chambers and the Confederation of Employer Organizations.

One of the main highlights of the meeting was the changes in procedures for registering trade representations of foreign companies in Bulgaria. Statistics show impressive activity - 1,881 Turkish company trade representations are registered in the BCCI register, and a total of 2,369 companies with Turkish participation.

Special attention was paid to the recently held Balkan Forum in Bansko, which brought together over 150 companies and business leaders from eight countries. The forum is establishing itself as a significant platform for inter-regional dialogue, promoting innovation, and creating new partnerships.

Simeonov emphasized the strategic importance of participation in international business formats, particularly in the BSEC Business Council, where Bulgaria will chair until the end of 2025, as well as in the Association of Balkan Chambers. These mechanisms provide multilateral interaction and create opportunities for economic development.

As a result of the constructive meeting, an agreement was reached for active information exchange between the BCCI and the Trade and Economic Affairs Office of Bulgaria in Ankara. This approach aims to create more effective communication channels and support business communities in both countries.

The meeting reinforced the impression of dynamically developing economic relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives and projects in various economic sectors.