Economic Cooperation with the US Holds Great Strategic Importance for Bulgaria, Says Deputy Economy Minister

Diana Dukovska, Delyan Petrishki

Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Krasimir Piperkov at the Third International Conference EXPLORE U.S., Sofia, March 26, 2026 (BTA Photo/Hristo Kasabov)

Sofia,

26.03.2026 11:57

(BTA)

Addressing the Third International Conference EXPLORE U.S. in Sofia on Thursday, Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Krasimir Piperkov said economic cooperation with the US is of great strategic importance for Bulgaria. Its inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program is expected to boost business exchanges and partnerships between the two countries, he said.

The forum is co-organized by the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (EAPSME) and AmCham Bulgaria. The event benefits Bulgarian companies seeking to develop joint ventures with American firms or to enter the US market.

Piperkov also said two-way trade has more than tripled over the past decade, reaching over USD 2 billion, yet there is potential for it to grow many times over. He singled out information technology, the manufacturing industry, the food industry and textiles as opportunities to deepen and expand bilateral relations.

Deputy Minister Piperkov also raised the issue of Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program. Clearly, the removal of visas will facilitate business partnerships, he said, expressing hope for success.

/RY/