BCCI awarded with an Honorary Diploma H.E. Matthias Höpfner, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bulgaria

H.E. Matthias Höpfner, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bulgaria, was awarded by the BCCI with an Honorary Diploma on the occasion of the end of his term of office in our country.

The award for his contribution to the development of the bilateral economic relations and fruitful cooperation with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was officially handed by the Chamber’s President Tsvetan Simeonov. He particularly stressed on Ambassador’s contribution for his support to the activities of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and for the successful trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Federal Republic of Germany is a leading foreign trade partner to Bulgaria.
In 2013 exports to Germany comprise 12.3% of our total exports, first place and an increase of 29.1% compared to 2012. Imports from Germany amount to EUR 2.793 million - 10.8% of the total imports, second place following Russia. The total bilateral trade amounted to EUR 5.537 million - 11.5% of the total turnover and with growth of 11.7%.

According to data by the Bulgarian Investment Agency about 30% of the 100 largest investors in Bulgaria are German or of German share.

Amongst the European countries Germany is also a leading partner in tourism to Bulgaria and one of the most important markets for the Bulgarian tourism.
In 2013 Bulgaria was visited by 682 702 German tourists and places third after Romania and Greece, with a growth of 5% compared to 2012.

Except in Bulgaria, Ambassador Höpfner has diplomatic experience in Indonesia, Libya and Canada, and will further continue with his successful diplomatic career.