The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was formally launched on Friday during a ceremony 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 business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev will chair the new bilateral chamber.
Speaking at the event, Radev urged the development of connections between the two neighboring countries. He stated, “We decided to establish the BMCCI in order to build, on Bulgaria’s side, the foundation of a bridge whose other foundation has already been laid by the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.”
Anton Kostadinov noted that the economic cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is significant but underdeveloped, citing a current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion as insufficient for the potential of their relationship. He identified energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture as sectors ripe for deeper collaboration, advocating for a constructive dialogue among business organizations.
Ambassador Agneza Rusi-Popovska, who initiated the Chamber’s establishment, viewed the launch as a positive indicator for unlocking trade potential. She emphasized Bulgaria’s role as a key trading partner and a gateway to the EU for North Macedonia, linking economic ties to the latter’s integration process. She stressed the need to boost investment in sectors like energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services, noting that infrastructure gaps currently hinder full economic potential.
Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, echoed the call for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air transport. The newly established chamber plans to host annual business forums in both countries to strengthen commerce and foster joint ventures, thereby advancing the cooperation between the two economies.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
