The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was formally launched on Friday during a ceremony held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Attendees included the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Anton Kostadinov; the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria, Agneza Rusi-Popovska; local mayors and deputy mayors from Southwestern Bulgaria; the Chair of the Macedonian–Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, Biljana Miteva; and business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev will chair the new bilateral chamber.
Radev emphasized the need to build connections between the two neighboring countries, stating the BMCCI aims to establish a foundation for cooperation alongside existing efforts by the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. Kostadinov noted that the economic bridge between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is largely constructed despite recent challenges. He stressed that achieving deeper economic ties and cooperation in sectors such as energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture is crucial, as the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is deemed insufficient for the potential relationship.
Ambassador Rusi-Popovska characterized the launch as a positive step toward unlocking trade potential. She highlighted Bulgaria’s role as a key market and gateway to the EU for North Macedonia, linking economic deepening to the latter’s integration process. She called for increased investment across sectors including energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services, noting that infrastructure gaps impede full economic development.
Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, also stressed the need for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air transport. The BMCCI hosted its inaugural Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, intended to foster joint ventures and future cooperation projects. The chamber plans to organize such forums annually in both countries to strengthen ties between the commerce and industry sectors.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
