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 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.
In his address, Radev urged the establishment of stronger ties between the neighboring countries. Kostadinov stated that the economic bridge between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is nearly complete despite recent challenges. He emphasized that the current trade turnover of EUR 1.3 billion is insufficient given the potential for cooperation.
He identified energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture as sectors ripe for closer collaboration, calling for constructive dialogue among the respective commerce organizations. Ambassador Rusi-Popovska, who initiated the chamber, noted that the event signals a chance to unlock trade potential. She highlighted Bulgaria’s importance to North Macedonia, both as a market and as a gateway to the EU, linking economic deepening to North Macedonia’s integration efforts.
She stressed the need to boost investment in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transport, and digital services, while pointing to infrastructure gaps. Ivan Todorov, BCCI Vice President, echoed the need for improved connectivity across road, rail, and air transport. The BMCCI also hosted its inaugural Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum, designed to foster joint ventures and cooperation.
The chamber plans to organize similar forums annually in both countries to strengthen industry ties.
Topics: #chamber #commerce #industry
