Official Opening of the Bulgarian–Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Holding of a Bilateral Business Forum

The newly established business organization aims to serve as a practical platform for fostering stronger connections, boosting investments, and promoting joint projects between the two countries.

A Bulgarian–Macedonian Business Forum was held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Atanas Radev, President of the newly established Bulgarian–Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), opened the event. In his remarks to the participants, Dr. Vasil Todorov, Vice President of BCCI, highlighted the need to further develop motorway, rail, and air transport connections in order to enhance trade and economic ties between the two countries. The strong cooperation between BCCI and the Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia within the framework of the Association of Balkan Chambers was also highlighted.

The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Anton Kostadinov stated that in 2025, the bilateral trade between Bulgaria and North Macedonia reached €1.317 billion. He emphasized the strong potential for deepening the bilateral cooperation, stressing that the Ministry of Economy and Industry regards the forum as a key platform for advancing the trade and economic relations.

Agneza Popovska, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia in Sofia, stated that Bulgaria is among North Macedonia’s leading trading partners and serves as a gateway to the EU market. However, she noted that weak transport infrastructure connectivity remains an obstacle to the business development. The diplomat highlighted the Bulgarian–Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and the Macedonian–Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce as platforms for a long-term strategic approach. Among the sectors with the greatest potential, she pointed to transport, energy, and manufacturing. The ambassador also noted that bilateral trade remains stable, while investment levels are still modest, indicating that the full potential of economic cooperation has not yet been realized. She called for relations to move beyond trade exchange towards mutual investment, industrial cooperation, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Biljana Miteva, President of the Macedonian–Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, characterized the forum as the first in a series of similar upcoming initiatives. She expressed her gratitude to the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) for its support and for organizing the event, and extended her thanks to the participating mayors from both countries.

More than 80 Bulgarian and Macedonian companies participated at the event.