site.btaMinister Dilov, Ukraine's Ambassador Ilashchuk Discuss Bilateral Economic Relations

Bulgaria’s Economy and Industry Minister Peter Dilov has met with Ukraine’s Ambassador in Sofia, Olesia Ilashchuk, to discuss bilateral economic relations, Dilov’s Ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

It transpired at the meeting that trade between the two countries reached USD 1.6 billion in the first ten months of 2024.

The sides agreed that there is great potential to further develop trade and investment and discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Dilov and Ilashchuk explored opportunities for Bulgarian companies to participate in Ukraine’s post-war recovery and reconstruction. “We are interested in specific Ukrainian projects that would allow Bulgarian companies to get involved as suppliers, contractors or subcontractors, including in areas like infrastructure, construction, energy, transport, and logistics,” Minister Dilov said.

The sides also talked about organizing a meeting of the Bulgarian-Ukrainian Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation, which has not convened in 15 years, as a step toward advancing trade and economic relations, the press release said. 

The discussions also focused on the possibility of hosting joint business forums to further strengthen relations between companies from both countries.

Ilashchuk praised the successful bilateral economic relations and thanked the Bulgarian side for its financial, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic support to Ukraine.