The ‘Bulgarian, Belgian, Luxembourg Economic Forum’ is established. The NGO will aim to promote economic, trade and investment relations between Bulgaria, Belgium and Luxembourg. This became clear at a meeting between the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stojanov and representatives of the initiative group for the establishment of the forum. Deputy Minister Irina Shtonova also took part in the discussion.
‘The traditionally good economic relations between Bulgaria, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are a serious basis for expanding and deepening the cooperation between our countries,’ Minister Stojanov said. In his words, ‘for the development of the Bulgarian economy and the potential of the three countries, it is particularly important to encourage the interest of Belgian and Luxembourg companies for new investments or the development of existing ones.’
The joint business structure, in which the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will participate on the Bulgarian side, will assist small and medium-sized enterprises from the three countries to position and develop in their markets. The main focus will be the presentation of the opportunities offered by each country. Various forms of cooperation will be sought — through universities, development centres, international exhibitions, media, etc. Among the goals is to make the forum another way for companies in the services, business process outsourcing, ICT sector, research and start-up attractions, pharmaceutical industry, etc. to exchange experiences and ideas.
Deputy Minister Irina Shtonova pointed out that Bulgaria’s commercial attachés have an important role to play in the creation of such initiatives and the development of bilateral economic relations and they will also support the process of institutionalizing the new organization. The participants in the meeting discussed that the Kingdom of Belgium is one of the leading investors in Bulgaria, as Belgian companies have long-term interests and development strategy. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ranks 7th among the leading investors in Bulgaria.
Today’s conversation was attended by Philippe Becke, former Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Bulgaria, Luc Sougne, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in the Kingdom of Belgium, Consular District of the Walloon Region, Willy Van Impe, Honorary Consul General of our country in Belgium, Consular District of the Flanders Region, Tsvetan Simeonov, Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bozhidar Patinov, Economic Advisor at the Office for Trade and Economic Affairs of Bulgaria in Belgium and Luxembourg.