Economy and Industry Minister Bogdan Bogdanov, Finance Minister Assen Vassilev and Greek Finance and Economy Minister Konstantinos Hatzidakis opened on Saturday the Bulgarian Stand at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
The opening was also attended by Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova. At the beginning of the opening ceremony sounded the anthems of Bulgaria and Greece.
Officials are expected to visit the Bulgarian stands and talk to business representatives later.
Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov said at the opening that Bulgaria is an important trading partner and one of the main trade destinations for Greek businesses.
He noted that Bulgaria being an honorary participant this year shows the high level of bilateral economic relations.
Bogdanov addressed Hatzidakis by saying: “Undoubtedly, Greece and Bulgaria have the potential to become a regional energy hub of significant importance not only for the region but for the whole of Europe. We are proud of our partnership on the economic and political front, and this guarantees stability not only between our countries, but also in the region of South-Eastern Europe. We are partners, neighbours and friends who trust each other, work together and this is a solid foundation on which we can build our future relations”.
Currently, there are more than 18,000 companies with Greek participation in Bulgaria mainly in banking, trade, and real estate, with cumulative investments exceeding EUR 3 billion.
Bogdanov said that Greece is one of the main investment destinations for Bulgarian entrepreneurs and there is a huge potential in sectors such as information and communication technologies. He noted that high technologies, innovation and education are the highlights of the Bulgarian participation in the exhibition. Companies from the infrastructure and energy sectors will also participate.
In recent days, the two countries have suffered from natural disasters and the floods they caused, Bogdanov noted. "I believe that we can only come out of such difficult situations and moments stronger, restoring and building on what we have lost," he said.
Bulgaria's presence at the forum provides huge opportunities for cooperation between Bulgarian and Greek businesses, Bogdanov said, stressing that trade has reached record levels - a little over EUR 5.9 million in 2022, which is an increase of over 30% compared to 2021.
At the opening ceremony, Bogdanov noted that the Bulgarian cargo drone company Dronamics started its trade operations from Greece. He also announced that EnduroSat is setting up a constellation in low orbit in order to create technologies that can prevent and alert in cases of disasters and accidents.
In English, the minister recommended to participants to try what he said is the world's best coffee, Dabov, and Bulgaria's best red wines, and recommended books presenting the rich history and culture of Bulgaria.
Finance Minister Asen Vassilev noted that many successful Bulgarian companies are presenting themselves at the exhibition. He also pointed out that the Bulgarian government works in close cooperation with the Greek government so that business, tourism and education can continue to develop between the two countries. He expressed the hope that in the future there will be no physical borders between Bulgaria and Greece, which are good neighbours.
