The Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) was formally inaugurated on Friday during an event held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Attendees included high-ranking officials, including Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Anton Kostadinov, the Ambassador of North Macedonia, and numerous business representatives from both nations. Atanas Radev has been appointed as the chair of the newly established bilateral chamber.
During the launch, Radev stressed the necessity of building stronger connections between the two neighboring countries. Kostadinov noted that while the existing trade turnover between Bulgaria and North Macedonia currently stands at EUR 1.3 billion, this figure is considered insufficient given the potential of their economic relationship. He identified energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture as key sectors ripe for enhanced cooperation, advocating for a constructive dialogue among business organizations.
Ambassador Agneza Rusi-Popovska highlighted Bulgaria’s role as a vital trading partner and gateway to the European Union for North Macedonia, linking deeper economic ties to the region’s integration process. She pointed to manufacturing, transport, and digital services as areas needing increased investment, noting that inadequate infrastructure currently limits full-scale economic development. Ivan Todorov, Vice President of the BCCI, also underscored the need for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air transport networks.
To advance these goals, the BMCCI launched its first initiative—a Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum. The chamber plans to host annual forums in both countries
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
