The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was officially 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 business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev will chair the newly established bilateral chamber.
Radev advocated for strengthening ties between the neighboring countries, stating the BMCCI aims to build a bridge complementing existing efforts by the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. Kostadinov noted that the economic bridge is nearly complete, emphasizing clear goals of deepening economic cooperation across various sectors. He pointed out that the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is below the potential of the bilateral relationship, highlighting energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture for closer collaboration.
Ambassador Rusi-Popovska, who initiated the Chamber’s establishment, viewed the launch as a positive step for unlocking trade potential. She underscored Bulgaria’s role as a key market and gateway to the EU for North Macedonia, linking deeper economic ties to the latter’s European integration. She called for boosting investment in sectors like energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services, noting that infrastructure gaps impede full economic development.
Ivan Todorov of the BCCI also stressed the need for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air. The BMCCI immediately hosted its first Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, intended to foster joint ventures and cooperation. The chamber plans to organize such forums annually in both countries to bolster business and industry relations.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
