site.btaPM to German Businesses: Bulgaria Ready to Boost Cooperation through Projects

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met with representatives of Germany’s Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations on Tuesday, the Cabinet's press centre reported. “Bulgaria has proven to be a reliable partner and a promising market. We are ready to strengthen our cooperation with the German economy through real projects. I believe that the coming months will be a time for concrete actions,” Zhelyazkov said at the meeting.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister emphasized that Germany is a leading trade and economic partner and one of the most significant investors in Bulgaria. Over the past decade, bilateral trade between the two countries has shown steady growth and reached record levels. In the last 30 years, total trade has increased sixteen-fold, while Bulgarian exports have grown twenty-threefold.

“Bulgaria values its long-standing partnership with the German economy. Your companies are among the most important investors and employers in our country. It is our strategic goal to deepen this cooperation, through trust, stability, and predictability,” the Prime Minister said.

Zhelyazkov stressed that German investments in Bulgaria reached EUR 4.129 billion as of the second quarter of 2025. The largest investments are concentrated in the automotive, mechanical engineering, trade, electronics, and electrical engineering sectors, with a significant share of German companies producing and exporting high value-added products.

Zhelyazkov assured representatives of German business that the Bulgarian Government is pursuing consistent policies to support businesses, ensure transparency, and maintain a stable economic environment. “Bulgaria remains fully committed to adopting the euro, and Germany’s support in this process is of strategic importance. Our full membership in the Schengen Area and entry into the Eurozone will facilitate trade relations and expand partnerships between business representatives,” the Prime Minister added.

Among the topics discussed were the digitalization of enterprises, enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies, reducing administrative burdens, and addressing regional imbalances. The Prime Minister said that accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) remains a government priority, with the relevant institutions actively working on the required accession reviews.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov, and Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Martin Danovski.

The Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations is the main regional initiative of German business for 29 countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization supports German companies in implementing projects, facilitates networking, and promotes investment in the region in close cooperation with the German federal government and partner countries.