-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Launched in Sofia

The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was officially inaugurated on Friday during a ceremony hosted by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Attendees included Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Anton Kostadinov, the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria, Agneza Rusi-Popovska, local mayors, and business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev will serve as the inaugural chair of the new bilateral chamber.

In his address, Radev advocated for building stronger connections between the two neighboring countries. Kostadinov asserted that the economic bridge between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is nearly complete despite recent diplomatic challenges. He stated that the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is insufficient given the potential for commerce between the nations.

He specifically recommended deepening cooperation in sectors such as energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture, urging a constructive dialogue among industry leaders. Ambassador Agneza Rusi-Popovska, who was noted as an initiator of the chamber, characterized the event as a positive step toward realizing the full economic potential. She emphasized Bulgaria’s role as a key trading partner and a gateway to the European Union for North Macedonia, linking stronger ties to the latter’s EU integration process.

She pointed to energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services as areas for enhanced cooperation, noting that infrastructure gaps hinder investment. Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, echoed the call for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air links. The BMCCI immediately hosted its first event, a Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, intended to generate joint ventures and cooperation projects.

The chamber plans to host similar forums annually in both countries to bolster bilateral trade and industry relations.

Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry