In the first quarter Bulgarian exports to EU countries amounted to EUR 7.5 billion.
Since the beginning of this year, only for the period January—March 2023, Bulgarian exports to EU countries are worth EUR 7.5 billion, which is 65% of our total exports. This is an increase of 5% year-on-year compared to the same period in 2022. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova during the regular meeting of the Euroclub at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), on the occasion of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union by Spain from 1 July 2023. The meeting was attended by H.E. Ms Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Khalid Emara, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, business representatives and others.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Shtonova stressed that in recent years the crises due to COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have had a negative impact on both the European and Bulgarian economies. ‘Despite the difficulties, European economies, including ours, have gradually started to recover. In 2022, Bulgaria reported GDP growth of 3.4% on an annual basis, which put our country in 16th place among the 27 EU member states in this indicator,’ Deputy Minister Shtonova said. Deputy Minister Shtonova participated in the regular meeting of the Euroclub at the at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
During the discussion it became clear that in order to create conditions for the development of Bulgarian industry, the priority during the Spanish Presidency will be the work on the draft Regulation on the provision of critical raw materials and the draft Regulation on Net Zero Industry Act. Through them, opportunities will be sought for the participation of Bulgarian enterprises in future strategic projects for mining and processing, technological modernization for resource and energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, introduction of clean technological processes, application of circular models and digitalization of Bulgarian industry.
In conclusion, Deputy Minister Shtonova assured that the Bulgarian and foreign businesses will continue to have a reliable partner, strong support and opportunities to develop and expand their business in Bulgaria and in the region in the face of the Ministry of Economy and Industry.