“France is among Bulgaria’s leading commercial partners in Europe – this is confirmed by the increase in commercial exchange of goods by over 60% in the last ten years”. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of the economy Lachezar Borisov during a cocktail organized by the French-Bulgarian chamber of commerce and industry. The event was attended by entrepreneurs, diplomats, and partners of the Chamber.
During the event, the Deputy Minister Lachezar Borisov greeted HE the Ambassador of France in Bulgaria Mr. Eric Lebedel and stressed that the Ministry of the economy continues to work toward reducing the administrative services and improving the business climate in our country. He informed the guests about the opportunities for expanding the French investment presence in Bulgaria in the area of innovations. “We are discussing an idea to hold a joint event between the French-Bulgarian chamber of trade and commerce and “Sofia Tech Park”, added Deputy Minister Borisov. He also pointed out the opportunities for applying to Operational program “Innovations and competitiveness”. “Hosting this forum would create an opportunity for French start-up companies to take part in the Bulgarian market”, he said in addition.
Deputy Minister Borisov thanked Ambassador Lebedel also for the support he has provided on major priorities of the Bulgarian government. It was also noted that there is a meeting of minds with regard to priorities outlined in the draft program for the Bulgarian presidency. The first sod for a factory for airplane parts manufacturing was indicated as a successful new bridge in Bulgarian-French economic relationships.
In his turn, the Ambassador of France in Bulgaria expressed his wishes to the representatives of the French-Bulgarian commercial community with regard to the new business season. In his words, bilateral relationships between Bulgaria and France are extremely dynamic, especially after the visit by French Minister Mr. Emmanuel Macron in August of this year. He invited attendees to read Mr. Macron’s speech at the Sorbonne about restructuring the EU and stressed that both parties wish for a sovereign, united, and democratic Europe.
Exchange of goods between Bulgaria and France reached EUR 1.9 billion in 2016, and in the first half of 2017, it amounted to EUR 955 million. In the last ten years, commercial exchange between Bulgaria and France has grown 61.2%, whereas export to France has more than doubled, and our balance is positive in the last five years.