The New Head of the Lisbon Trade and Economic Affairs Office Visited BCCI and Discussed the Development of the Bilateral Economic Relations with Portugal

The newly appointed Head of the Trade and Economic Affairs Office (TEAO) in Lisbon, Portugal, Anna Georgieva, visited the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and held a meeting with the Chamber President Tsvetan Simeonov. During the conversation, they discussed the opportunities for further development of the trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Portugal.

The BCCI President presented the Chamber’s activity in support of the Bulgarian business, emphasising the advantages of the voluntary Unified Trade Register of BCCI, its regional structure and the wide network of sectoral organisations. Also, within the meeting was discussed the long-standing cooperation of BCCI and Portuguese partners which dates back to 1982 when an Agreement was signed with the Institute for Foreign Trade, Investments and Tourism (ICEP) – currently, the Portuguese Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (AICEP). Within this partnership, over the years are launched joint initiatives, establishment of contacts between companies with common interests from both countries and holding of business forums and bilateral meetings.

Ms Georgieva presented her priorities and plans for the development of the bilateral trade and economic relations and emphasised the importance of cooperation at regional level. In the course of the discussion, it was noted that the interaction with Portuguese partners – both in terms of business contacts and with regard to financing – is well developed and creates a stable basis for encouraging Bulgarian companies to participate jointly with Portuguese companies in third country markets, including within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

The meeting also discussed the option of sending regular information about the economic situation and regulatory framework in Portugal, as well as about any forthcoming significant exhibitions, fairs, forums and other business events of interest to Bulgarian companies.