H.E. Mr. Eloa Lauru, Ambassador of Benin accredited to Bulgaria (2018–2022), discussed opportunities to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Benin together with Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of BCCI. Ainin Waly, the President of Assana Group, also attended the meeting.
Tsvetan Simeonov noted that this meeting will mark the beginning of cooperation with businesses from Benin. He briefed his guests on BCCI’s activities and databases, including the unified voluntary trade register. Simeonov also presented Bulgaria’s main macroeconomic indicators, its advantageous geographical location, and leading sectors in the national economy.
Ambassador Lauru shared that Benin has been developing successfully in recent years, with GDP growth of 6.7% projected for 2025. Key sectors of the West African country’s economy include agriculture (cashew production, tropical fruits, palm oil, etc.), the textile industry, timber harvesting and processing, and construction.
During the meeting, participants discussed future steps to deepen cooperation with Benin, including showcasing the country’s business and investment opportunities and identifying key sectors for collaboration such as food-processing machinery, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.