site.btaDeputy Economy Minister: French Companies Invest BGN 1 Bln a Year in Bulgaria on Average

Trends over the last decade show that French companies invest an average of BGN 1 billion a year in Bulgaria, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova said during an event of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ministry's press office reported Friday. Attending were French Ambassador Joel Meyer, InvestBulgaria Agency Executive Director Bogdan Bogdanov, French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Stephane Delahaye and Director Vessela Todorova-Mosettig, and French business representatives.

Shtonova pointed out that French investors bring significant value added to the Bulgarian economy and are driving the lasting growth in bilateral trade. France ranks sixth in terms of exports of Bulgarian goods. Exports from Bulgaria to France increased by over 16% last year and reached EUR 1.5 billion. "I am sure that the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is one of the most active chambers in Bulgaria, has made a serious contribution to these good results," Shtonova added.

In her words, many of the French companies in Bulgaria are developing their own programmes for dual training and for attracting young people into their production activities. This shows that they want to build a lasting relationship with Bulgaria and have long-term plans related to Bulgaria.

French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Delahaye said that the Chamber's members are expected to increase to 300 soon. A business delegation of 130 French companies is expected in Bulgaria in October to explore the potential and opportunities for developing their projects here.

The French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Yearbook for 2023/2024 was presented during the event.