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 business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev will chair the newly established bilateral chamber.
Radev emphasized the necessity of building connections between the two neighboring countries, stating the BMCCI aims to establish a foundation of cooperation. Kostadinov noted that the economic bridge between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is nearly complete despite recent challenges. He stated that the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is insufficient given the potential of their economic relationship.
He recommended focusing on sectors like energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture, advocating for constructive dialogue among business organizations. Ambassador Rusi-Popovska highlighted Bulgaria’s importance to North Macedonia, not only as a market but also as an EU gateway, linking deeper economic ties to North Macedonia’s European integration. She pointed to energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services for enhanced cooperation while stressing that infrastructure gaps limit full-scale investment.
Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, echoed the need for better connectivity across road, rail, and air transport. The BMCCI commenced its activities with a Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, designed to foster joint ventures and cooperation. The chamber plans to host such forums annually in both countries, solidifying its role in advancing bilateral commerce and industry.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
This formal launch signals a positive step toward strengthening bilateral trade relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.