site.btaDeputy Economy Minister Holds Meetings with Trade Services Abroad

Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov held a series of meetings with Trade and Economic Affairs Offices (STIV) of Bulgaria's diplomatic missions abroad, as well as with representatives of employers’ organizations, the Ministry reported on Thursday. 

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Bulgarian businesses and STIV to better utilize the capacity of the services overseas. “Bulgarian business is the true employer of our trade attaches abroad,” Barbalov emphasized.

According to the latest annual survey by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), only around 31% of Bulgarian companies have used STIV services. Barbalov said the goal is to increase this figure to at least 50% by next year.

“For Bulgarian firms, STIV are especially valuable for finding business partners, participating in international exhibitions and forums, obtaining economic information, and organizing business visits abroad,” he explained.

Barbalov added that STIV must be proactive in organizing business forums and B2B meetings, as well as providing sector-specific investment information. The services will also assist in sourcing and sending concrete offers from local companies seeking partnerships with Bulgarian businesses.

The Deputy Minister and representatives of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists of Bulgaria, BCCI, and the Bulgarian Industrial Association agreed on the need for more regular meetings and prioritizing sectors by countries of interest to Bulgarian companies. “Regular updates on registration regimes and licensing procedures will be provided to facilitate Bulgarian enterprises’ operations in foreign markets,” Barbalov noted.