The Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council of the European Union, which took place in Brussels. The trade ministers of the member states held discussions on the current state of trade relations between the EU and the USA, as well as trade relations between the EU and China.
The Ministers also discussed the current state of bilateral trade negotiations, related to the diversification of trade for the EU with Mercosur, Mexico, Indonesia, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, and also the Council for cooperation with Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
The Ministers exchanged opinions on the current state and prospects of trade relations between the EU and the USA. They confirmed their full commitment to finding an agreed solution with the USA, which could lead to the elimination of tariffs and further stability and predictability in transatlantic trade. The Ministers expressed support for the European Commission to lead these negotiations on behalf of the EU.
“The Council united around a common approach to continue negotiations with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. The ministers called for unity within the EU. At the same time, the need for trade diversification and expansion of the network of new markets was highlighted,” commented Minister Dilov.
The Minister of Economy confirmed that Bulgaria is intensifying efforts to continue and achieve a balanced agreement on tariffs in strategic sectors, especially in the automotive and steel industries.
“In parallel, efforts to achieve trade diversification should continue, with a focus on concluding ongoing trade negotiations”, he added.
Minister Dilov pointed out that, in the current geopolitical context, expanding access to markets in third countries is of decisive importance for producers who can compensate for a potential decline in exports.