Over 25% growth in trade between Bulgaria and Moldova in 2024 compared to 2023.
Opportunities for expanding bilateral economic cooperation were discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Economy and Industry of Bulgaria, Mr Peter Dilov, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Bulgaria, H.E. Emil Jacota.
The two officials identified promising areas for enhancing trade and economic relations between the two countries, including infrastructure, wine production, energy, pharmaceuticals, and investment in technological development in high-value-added industries and services.
“We believe that the current level of economic cooperation does not reflect the full potential of our two countries,” said Minister Dilov. He added that Bulgaria would continue to support the deepening of relations between Bulgaria and Moldova. For his part, H.E. Emil Jacota emphasised that Bulgaria is among Moldova’s top 10 economic partners, and expressed confidence that relations would continue to grow, particularly following Bulgaria’s planned accession to the eurozone on 1 January 2026.
During the discussions, Minister Dilov highlighted the role of the Bulgarian–Moldovan Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation as an important mechanism for advancing bilateral relations and identifying concrete measures to stimulate trade and economic collaboration. The possibility was discussed of organising both the next session of the Intergovernmental Commission and a bilateral business forum in the near future.
The meeting also revealed that, according to data from the Bulgarian National Bank, trade between Bulgaria and Moldova increased by over 25% in 2024 compared to 2023. Direct investments from Moldova in Bulgaria reached EUR 19.5 million by the end of 2024, while Bulgarian investments in Moldova amounted to EUR 250 million over the same period.