site.btaAgriculture Minister Tahov Does Not Expect Agreement with MERCOSUR to Dramatically Impact Bulgarian Market

Outgoing Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov told reporters in Berlin on Friday that he does not expect the signing of the agreement between the European Union and MERCOSUR to have a dramatic impact on the market in Bulgaria.

According to him, Bulgaria's exports to MERCOSUR countries are almost insignificant, and imports are also at very low levels, with direct imports amounting to less than 1%.

Tahov recalled that the agreement has been discussed at EU level for more than 25 years, both within the European Commission and in the EU as a whole. He added that the expert decision to sign the agreement was taken back in 2019, and the political decision in 2020, at the moment the process is being built upon.

The minister also emphasized that the EC has provided for protective mechanisms, which will be activated in the event of price fluctuations on the market, and the affected producers will be compensated.

Earlier today, Tahov participated in the official opening of Bulgaria’s national stand at Berlin International Green Week, the major international trade fair for the food, agriculture, and horticulture industries, which began on Friday, January 16 in the German capital and will continue until January 26. This year's edition marks the 100th anniversary of the forum's creation.