site.btaMinister Dilov: Bulgaria Assigns Strategic Importance to Economic Ties with Romania

Economy and Industry Minister Peter Dilov held a meeting with Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce head Victor Gugushev here on Tuesday, the Economy Ministry said in a press release. The sides discussed the state of the bilateral economic relations and the opportunities for improving the connectivity between Bulgaria and Romania, which would benefit businesses, tourism, and inter-company cooperation.

Minister Dilov said that Romania is among Bulgaria's leading foreign economic partners. It transpired at the meeting that the bilateral trade amounted to EUR 7.35 billion in 2024. Bulgarian exports totalled EUR 3.8 billion, with a positive trade balance for Bulgaria of EUR 261.8 million.

The Economy Minister highlighted the opportunities for deepening the bilateral partnership through participation of companies in specialized exhibitions and trade missions, joint access to third markets in different economic sectors, promotion of innovation and start-ups, as well as implementation of joint cross-border projects.

For his part, Gugushev noted that the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce has over 20 years of history and brings together over 150 companies represented in almost all sectors of the economy - logistics, tourism, construction, services, etc. "About 70% of our members are Bulgarian companies, which are also active on the Romanian market," he said.

He also said a key priority for the Chamber is to improve connectivity between the two countries - both by land and by air. "The development of new and modern road links, as well as the increase of direct flights between Bulgarian and Romanian cities, will facilitate business, tourism and inter-company cooperation. The Chamber actively supports efforts in this direction and is ready to assist with expertise and partnerships," Gugushev noted.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Angel Zaburtov also attended the meeting.