In 2024, bilateral trade reached 257.7 million US dollars, an increase of approximately 6% compared to 2023.
The Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, held a meeting with His Excellency Abdulrahman Al-Jaber, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria. The two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as opportunities to attract investments from the UAE to Bulgaria.
Minister Dilov highlighted that bilateral trade between Bulgaria and the United Arab Emirates is showing steady growth. In 2024, trade turnover reached 257.7 million US dollars, an increase of approximately 6% compared to 2023.
For his part, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Jaber noted that both countries have the potential to double their trade exchange.
The two also discussed the convening of the first session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, emphasising that it would be an excellent opportunity to continue the strong ties and further enhance cooperation in the economic sphere.
Minister Dilov and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates also discussed the draft Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments. Both agreed that it would help stimulate investment flows by creating a more favourable environment for conducting economic activity.
“The United Arab Emirates is a key and forward-looking partner for Bulgaria,” Minister Dilov stated. In his view, there are ample opportunities to deepen and diversify bilateral cooperation in the areas of mutual trade, investment, tourism, and agriculture.
During the meeting, it became clear that there is strong potential for Bulgarian exports to the UAE, particularly high-quality food and agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, IT products, as well as items from the mechanical engineering, electronics, and electrical sectors.