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 formed bilateral chamber.
Radev addressed the gathering, advocating for building connections between the two neighboring countries to overcome existing divisions. He stated that establishing the BMCCI would build a foundation for cooperation, complementing efforts already undertaken by the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. Anton Kostadinov noted that the economic bridge between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is nearly complete despite recent challenges.
He emphasized that deepening economic ties and cooperation across various sectors are key goals. Kostadinov remarked that the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is insufficient given the potential of the relationship. He identified energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture as sectors ripe for closer cooperation, calling for constructive dialogue among business organizations.
Ambassador Agneza Rusi-Popovska, who initiated the Chamber’s establishment, viewed the launch as a positive step for unlocking trade potential. She highlighted Bulgaria’s importance to North Macedonia, not only as a neighbor but also as a gateway to the EU, linking economic deepening to North Macedonia’s European integration. She stressed the need to boost investment activity and enhance cooperation in energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services.
Ivan Todorov, BCCI Vice President, also stressed the necessity of improving infrastructure connectivity—including road, rail, and air—to realize the significant, yet untapped, potential between the two countries. The BMCCI’s inaugural event was a Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, designed to foster joint ventures and cooperation. The chamber plans to host such forums annually in both countries.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
