site.btaEconomy and Industry Minister, US Ambassador Discuss Intensifying Cooperation

Bulgarian Economy and Industry Minister Nikola Stoyanov conferred here on Thursday with newly appointed US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, Stoyanov's Ministry said in a press release. The two discussed the development of economic relations between their countries and measures to deepen cooperation.

The Economy Minister presented his "breakfast with investors" initiative and pointed out that one of his first meetings had been precisely with American businesses in Bulgaria. "I find it especially important to have a good dialogue and feedback from the companies because they are the most accurate indication of whether Ministry acts promptly and correctly," Stoyanov emphasized. He added that last year Bulgaria-US trade was valued at a record almost USD 2 billion, which is an indication the excellent advancement of bilateral relations.

The Ambassador said that the American business is doing well on the Bulgarian market but work is needed for even better results. In this connection, Stoyanov explained that Bulgaria's trade representatives in Washington and Chicago are being selected. "When I took office in August 2022, Bulgaria did not have a single commercial attache in the US and the trade and economic services in Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington were not functioning. It is inconceivable in a country that is such an important partner for Bulgaria to have three non-working trade offices," the Minister explained.

Merten stressed that the US Embassy has always had good cooperation with the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Industry, and he believes that more joint initiatives to promote bilateral business relations are coming.