site.bta Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Presents 2025 Annual Awards

The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) presented its 2025 annual awards at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Chamber’s headquarters. The awards recognize an ambassador, a foreign country’s trade representative in Bulgaria, a media outlet and a journalist. 

A bronze statuette of Hermes by sculptor Stavri Kalinov, a plaque and a diploma were awarded to a foreign ambassador, a foreign trade representative accredited in Bulgaria, a media outlet and a journalist who have contributed to the development of business in Bulgaria over the past year. The second part of the awarding ceremony will take place on January 27, when companies, a regional chamber, and a branch organisation will be honoured.

Addressing the award recipients and guests, BCCI President Tsvetan Simeonov recalled that last year the Chamber marked its 130th anniversary, when gratitude was expressed to Prince Ferdinand I, whose signature stands under the decree officially establishing the creation and functioning of chambers of commerce in Bulgaria. Among the attendees were Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov, members of the BCCI Management Board, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Bulgaria, and partners of the Chamber.

In the Foreign Ambassador category, the award was presented to the Ambassador of China to Bulgaria, Dai Qingli, who said it was a great honour to receive the distinction. "This award is not only for me, but for the long-standing partnership between our two institutions. It reflects the expectations of the Bulgarian business community for further deepening of economic relations," Qingli said. She noted that in the first eleven months of 2025, trade between the two countries grew by more than 20%, driven by strong demand for energy-storage batteries. She added that a protocol was signed last year allowing the export of Bulgarian saffron and wild-caught seafood products.

The ambassador stated that in 2025 the Embassy and the BCCI worked actively to facilitate contacts between 400 companies from the two countries, and thanked the Economy and Industry Ministry and Deputy Minister Barbalov for their support. She congratulated Bulgaria on its accession to the euro area, describing it as good news for the economy and business partners. The award was presented by BCCI President Simeonov.

In the Foreign Trade Representative category, the award went to Philippe Kupfer, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy in Bulgaria. He noted that last year 2,500 consultations and 25 events were held in Bulgaria and Austria, made possible thanks to strong cooperation with local partners, above all the BCCI. The award was presented by BCCI Vice-President Vasil Todorov.

In the Media category, the award was presented to Nova Broadcasting Group, with the distinction handed over by BCCI President Simeonov.

The Journalist award was presented by BCCI Vice-President Krasimir Dachev to Bulgaria ON AIR journalist Ganiela Angelova.

Prior to the presenting ceremony, Tsvetan Simeonov, the BCCI President, said that Bulgaria has completed its full integration into the EU with the adoption of the euro. He was speaking at a meeting of the Euroclub at the BCCI, dedicated to the end of Denmark’s EU Presidency and the start of Cyprus’ Presidency. "The goal of the Euroclub at the BCCI is to maintain public opinion at a high level in support of Bulgaria’s European integration," Simeonov said, adding that the Chamber firmly supports the country’s European path. In his address, the BCCI President called on all EU Member States to take care of the development of the Community so that the Union can become the most attractive place for investment in the world. Among the guests at the Euroclub meeting were Doncho Barbalov, outgoing Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria.