High-Level Forum Discusses the Development of Bulgaria-Greece Relations in the Industrial Sector

The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry /BCCI/ hosted a Bulgarian-Greek business forum on the topic “Developing Bulgaria-Greece Relations in the Industrial Sector and Addressing Existing Challenges,” organized by the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the forum, Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of BCCI, highlighted that Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area is already delivering measurable benefits, with bilateral trade and the free movement of goods and people between the two countries becoming increasingly seamless. Further tangible benefits for economic ties between Bulgaria and Greece are expected following the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria on January 1, 2026.

During the event, the President of BCCI expressed his gratitude to Dimitrios Mihas, Trade Counselor at the Embassy of Greece in Sofia, for his exceptional contribution to the development of bilateral economic relations during his tenure, which concludes at the end of November this year.

Bulgaria’s Minister of Regional Development, Ivan Ivanov, stated at the opening of the event that we live in dynamic times, and the challenges faced by both countries—as well as by other EU nations—are numerous. Every challenge represents an opportunity for positive change and a better future for both neighboring nations and their shared European future. Minister Ivanov highlighted the role of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works through its numerous EU-funded programs aimed at cross-border regions.

Among the official participants were Liliana Pavlova, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (2019–2023); Sergey Stanishev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2005–2009); Panagiotis Theodorikakos, Minister of Development of Greece; Konstantinos Gioulekas, Deputy Minister of Interior of Greece for Macedonia and Thrace; Georgios Kremlis, Honorary Director of the European Commission and Ambassador of the European Organization for Public Law in Bulgaria; as well as representatives of regional authorities from Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Burgas, and others.

From the Greek side, companies from sectors such as logistics, metal processing, textile manufacturing, electrical components (cables, etc.), egg production, cereal production, photovoltaics, and hospital equipment participated. Over 40 Bulgarian representatives from companies and business organizations also attended the event.

During the conference, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Thrace Economic Zone and the Association of Enterprises of the Thessaloniki Industrial Zone.

The event included B2B meetings between Bulgarian and Greek companies, aiming to explore new opportunities for collaboration in key sectors such as logistics, metal processing, textile manufacturing, electrical materials, and photovoltaics.