The third Bulgarian-Hungarian business forum will be held at the SamElyon complex in Samokov from April 27 to 29

The third Bulgarian-Hungarian business forum, to be held at the SamElyon complex in Samokov from April 27 to 29, is expected to result in a number of partnership agreements for trade deals and the opening of representative offices, Bulgarian trade attache in Hungary Nevena Stoyanova said on Thursday. She was speaking at a press conference held at the BTA press club in Samokov.

Attending the press conference were also Samokov Regional Development Council Head Sotir Nemov and Samokov Municipality Mayor Angel Dzhorgov. 

Stoyanova noted that during the forum, Hungarian representatives will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the development of the city’s industrial zone. She added that interest in the forum is strong on both sides, including from business and partner organisations. Over the past five years, economic relations between Bulgaria and Hungary have seen significant and steady growth, as a result of active work by the governments of both countries and their embassies.

Trade between Bulgaria and Hungary has been increasing steadily, reaching EUR 2.4 billion in 2025. According to data from the Bulgarian National Bank, Hungarian investments in Bulgaria amounted to EUR 130 million in 2025, Stoyanova said, adding that Hungary is a leading investor in Bulgaria among the countries of the Visegrad Group.

Dzhorgov said that hosting the forum is important for the town. He expressed hope that a branch of a Hungarian university will be opened in Samokov, noting that the region has much to offer and that Hungarian interest is not accidental. He also said that a detailed spatial plan for the industrial zone is expected to be approved, paving the way for future investments and job creation.

Representatives of Bulgarian and Hungarian institutions, chambers of commerce, leading companies from the industrial, energy and services sectors, as well as academia, have been invited to take part in the forum.

The event is held within the framework of the Hungarian Days in Samokov initiative and is organized by Samokov Regional Development Council, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Trade Service at the Bulgarian Embassy in Hungary, Samokov Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bacs-Kiskun County.