A business delegation led by Mr. Manhal Alkhabbaz, Minister of Industry and Minerals of the Republic of Iraq, visited the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed with President Tsvetan Simeonov economic issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Iraq in Sofia H.E. Mrs. Lina Omar, representatives of Bulgarian companies, and Mr. Yancho Yanev, Chairman of Haskovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry - one of the most active regional chambers of commerce and industry and a leader in the cooperation with the Arab world.
Tsvetan Simeonov presented to the guests the activities of the Chamber in its 126-year history in support of business and the network of 28 regional chambers that covers the entire territory of the country. He noted the positive trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Iraq.
The programme of the delegation included a visit to Bulgarian companies from areas of mutual interest for cooperation, organized with the assistance of the BCCI.
Minister Alkhabbaz provided information on investment opportunities for the construction of new plants and factories and the modernization of existing ones. The Minister shared that the Bulgarian production is well known from the recent past with its strong presence in Iraq and at the moment it is again preferred to products and machines from other countries.
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According to data of the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy, Bulgaria’s trade with Iraq in the period January-June 2021 amounted to USD 25.9 million and comprised mainly of exports, with imports from Iraq during the period being insignificant. Our exports to Iraq during the period mainly consisted of medicines, foodstuff, wadding and textile materials, cosmetics, medicines and surgical instruments, X-ray machines, diagnostic equipment, etc.