Online business meeting of Bulgarian and Serbian companies

The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an online business meeting with the participation of companies from Bulgaria and Serbia. The event was organized with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Sofia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Nis.

The President of BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov told the participants - about 60 representatives of Bulgarian and Serbian companies - that relations between the two countries are based on good neighborliness, traditions in bilateral business and a constant flow of goods and investments. BCCI’s excellent relations with partner organizations in neighboring Serbia are also a prerequisite for facilitating trade relations.

The ambassadors of both countries made speeches during the meeting. H.E. Asst. Prof. Dr. Željko Jović, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Bulgaria, stressed that the event was being held at a special time of difficulties for the economies of both countries. According to him, only 20% of joint business opportunities are used. It is necessary to strengthen the existing partnership and forge new ties in order for Serbia and Bulgaria to emerge from the crisis better prepared and with common goals.

The Ambassador of Bulgaria to Serbia H.E. Radko Vlaykov said that in four years trade between the two countries has increased by 58%. In 2019, it amounted to EUR 1214.5 million. Understandably, the data for the first half of 2020, compared to the same period of 2019, show a decrease in trade by 11.1%. In addition, political relations between the two countries have never been so successful, said Ambassador Vlaykov. This positive climate allows for easier contacts and a leap in trade and economic relations. He recalled that in 2019 in Nis the largest bilateral business forum so far was held. Good relations continue to be maintained, albeit slightly slowed by the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

On behalf of the Serbian CCI, Mihailo Vesovic, Director addressed the participants and pointed out that chambers of commerce are doing everything possible to keep businesses alive and able to overcome the difficulties. Interest on both sides is high, despite losing about 10% of bilateral trade in 2020. According to him, more than 3000 companies from both countries have permanent contacts. At present, Bulgarian investments in Serbia amount to more than EUR 20 million.

Experts from both countries made detailed presentations on the economic environment and the investment climate. During the event Bulgarian and Serbian companies established direct contacts.

Presentation of Invest Bulgaria Agency

Presentation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia