Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Pulev opened the annual meeting of the heads of Bulgaria’s Commercial and Economic Affairs Offices (STIV). During the event, he presented the Government’s priorities in the areas of investment, industrial development and economic diplomacy.
Deputy Ministers of Economy, Investments and Industry Krasimir Yakimov and Mihaela Karadimova also took part in the working programme. Presentations were delivered by Angel Ivanov, Executive Director of the InvestBulgaria Agency (IBA), as well as by representatives of the Bulgarian Export Insurance Agency, National Company Industrial Zones and the Fund of Funds.
Addressing the heads of the Commercial and Economic Affairs Offices, Mr Ivanov presented IBA’s activities, the opportunities available to support investors and the main mechanisms for investment promotion in Bulgaria.
The Agency traditionally maintains active and productive cooperation with Bulgaria’s Commercial and Economic Affairs Offices around the world. Over the years, this partnership has repeatedly contributed to establishing contacts with potential investors, promoting Bulgaria as a competitive investment destination, and turning investment intentions into concrete projects.
Bulgaria’s commercial representatives are a natural and key partner of the Agency in its efforts to attract foreign investment. Their knowledge of local markets, the timely exchange of information and their assistance in establishing contacts with international businesses are essential to the successful positioning of Bulgaria as an investment destination.
The event continued in the evening with the traditional annual awards ceremony honouring the best-performing Commercial and Economic Affairs Offices. For the sixteenth consecutive year, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry jointly recognised the offices with the strongest results and contribution to the development of Bulgarian exports, the attraction of foreign investment and the promotion of tourism.
First place was awarded to the Commercial and Economic Affairs Office in Romania, followed by the Office in Japan in second place and the Office in Poland in third place.
During the ceremony, Mr Ivanov presented an honorary diploma to the Commercial and Economic Affairs Office in Spain. The distinction was accepted by Maria Yancheva from the Office in Madrid and Maria Boyadzhieva from the Office in Barcelona. The Executive Director of IBA congratulated them on their achievements and wished them continued success and fruitful cooperation, including with the InvestBulgaria Agency.
IBA extends its gratitude to the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the honour of inviting Mr Ivanov to present one of the awards. IBA and BCCI maintain a long-standing and productive partnership based on their shared efforts to promote Bulgaria, encourage investment and develop international economic relations. We are confident that this successful cooperation will continue to deepen and contribute to creating new opportunities for the Bulgarian economy.
