Direct investment from the UK in our country amounts to €2.6 billion
The Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, held a meeting with His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, Chris Barton, who is on an official visit to our country.
Also attending the meeting were H.E. Nathaniel Copsie, UK Ambassador to Bulgaria, and Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Ms. Nevena Lazarova.
The discussions focused on opportunities to enhance economic partnership and expand bilateral trade. Dilov and Barton agreed that there is substantial potential for investment, deeper bilateral cooperation, and the implementation of joint projects in the fields of technology, innovation, finance and business services, clean energy, and infrastructure.
Minister Dilov underlined that the United Kingdom is one of Bulgaria’s key foreign trade partners, and our countryplaces strategic importance on strengthening its cooperation with the United Kingdom. He noted that bilateral economic relations remain strong and are developing positively. According to official data, trade with the United Kingdom has consistently exceeded €1 billion annually in recent years, with British companies among the leading investors in Bulgaria. British direct investments in our country totals €2.6 billion.
Minister Dilov and His Majesty’s British Trade Commissioner for Europe also discussed our country’s accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including the United Kingdom’s support during the review of Bulgaria’s accession in the OECD Trade Committee.
The Minister of Economy further noted that efforts are actively underway toreduce administrative burdens and promote sustainable industrialisation. The two also exchanged views on supporting SMEs, a shared priority for both countries.
Dilov emphasised that Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone remains one of the Government’s primary goals. “We expect accession to improve the country’s business climate, enhance its credit rating, and strengthen trade relations with our partners,” he stated.