The President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tsvetan Simeonov, held a meeting with Nicanor Bautista, Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of the Philippines based in Berlin, and Siegfred Masagkay, Consul at the Embassy of the Philippines based in Bucharest. The meeting was also attended by Ognyan Trajanov, Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Bulgaria.
The primary focus of the meeting centered on opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and cross-border investment. Both sides highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which is slated for signature in 2027. Once implemented, the agreement will eliminate tariffs on over 94% of tariff lines, encompassing more than 97% of total bilateral trade."
The guests informed that progress is being made in trade relations between Bulgarian and Philippine companies, particularly in the field of semiconductors and electronic components. Discussions also covered the potential to expand these ties into areas such as agriculture (fruits and vegetables, coconuts, mangoes, tropical fruits, juices, dried fruits) and the food industry (tuna, canned fish, among others).
The President of BCCI proposed a showcase of Philippine products to Bulgarian consumers and importers. Additionally, the possibility of organizing a series of online events to highlight the economic opportunities of both countries was discussed.
Information was shared regarding Philippine companies participating in international exhibitions in Germany, which look forward to meeting Bulgarian partners during Electronica, held from November 10 to 13, 2026, in Munich.