The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was officially inaugurated 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 business leaders from both nations. Atanas Radev will chair the newly formed bilateral chamber.
Radev addressed the gathering, urging the establishment of stronger connections between the two neighboring countries. He stated that the BMCCI aims to build a foundational bridge between the two nations, complementing the efforts of the existing Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. Kostadinov noted that the economic relationship between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, currently valued at EUR 1.3 billion, is significantly underdeveloped relative to its potential.
He stressed that cooperation is vital across sectors such as energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture, advocating for constructive dialogue among business organizations. Ambassador Rusi-Popovska, who was instrumental in establishing the chamber, viewed the event as a positive step for unlocking trade potential. She emphasized Bulgaria’s role as a key trading partner and a gateway to the European Union for North Macedonia, linking deeper economic ties to the latter’s EU integration goals.
She pointed to energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services as areas for enhanced cooperation, while also highlighting the need for improved infrastructure. Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, echoed the call for better connectivity across road, rail, and air transport. The BMCCI launched its inaugural Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, intended to foster joint ventures and strengthen commercial ties.
The chamber plans to host such forums annually in both countries, aiming to bolster the relationship between the commerce and industry sectors of both nations.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
