The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Economy and Industry announced for the 15th time in a row the awards for the most successful Trade and Economic Affairs Offices /STIV/ for 2024. The event was part of the celebration of 130 years since the establishment of the BCCI. The President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tsvetan Simeonov thanked for the good cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Industry and with the representatives of the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices. "We appreciate the adaptability of all colleagues, who, against the backdrop of the contradictory conditions for business development worldwide, manage to do their job properly," said Simeonov.
He emphasized that the BCCI and the country's trade representatives abroad pursue many common goals, including opening up new alternative markets and opportunities for business; diversifying exports from Bulgaria; minimizing the negative economic aspects observed internationally; developing the potential in different countries in terms of investments and trade; attracting foreign investors, especially against the backdrop of the recent introduction of the European currency.
Simeonov announced that in a few days, the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices will receive the new edition of the brochure "Bulgaria in Figures", prepared by the BCCI. It is highly appreciated by the trade representatives as a practical tool for illustrating the strengths of the Bulgarian economic environment.
The President of the BCCI emphasized that the initiative has its traditions, as it is being organized for the 15th time and although this year it was prepared for a short period, it has very good results.
The bronze statuette "Hermes" and a diploma for the best results for 2024 were received by Nikolay Teoharov - STIV France, the winner of the ranking. Teoharov highlighted both the economic activity of the Service and the good development of the steps regarding Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The Minister of Economy also presented an honorary diploma of the Ministry to Krasimir Ivanov, who represents STIV Tokyo, in recognition of high professionalism, consistent efforts and significant contribution to the development of trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Japan and high appreciation for the active role in the presentation of Bulgaria at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov presented the award for second place in the ranking to STIV Greece.
An honorary diploma for third place was awarded to Nevena Stoyanova – STIV in Hungary. She pointed out that several events were held last year, with the greatest potential being the forum organized in Budapest, in which over 76 companies participated. Several bilateral business events are to be held this year.
Vasil Todorov, Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented an honorary diploma to STIV in Albania, expressing gratitude to Miroslav Milanov for the good cooperation and emphasizing that the potential, especially in trade and economic relations with the Balkan countries, is extremely large. He also presented an honorary diploma to STIV in the Republic of Korea to Iliya Dekov, who described the year as intensive - with ministerial visits, two concluded intergovernmental agreements in the field of trade, investment and energy promotion, four trade missions to the Republic of Korea and two trade missions to Bulgaria of Korean companies.
The President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tsvetan Simeonov presented an honorary diploma to STIV in Moldova to Nikola Todorov. He noted the meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission held last year, in which the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated, organizing an accompanying business forum in Chisinau. Nikola Todorov highlighted good examples of Bulgarian investments in Moldova.
The ranking of the results of the work of the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices is based on statistical data - 2024 compared to 2023 - an increase in exports, investments, tourists. An assessment by the business and the Ministry was also used, which includes active work with Bulgarian business and an overall assessment of the activities of the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry.