Minister Bogdanov: Turkey is Bulgaria's leading trade partner outside the EU

Turkey is among Bulgaria's leading commercial and economic partners outside the European Union, and Turkish companies are among the largest investors in our country. For 2022, the exchange of goods is a record and exceeds 7.3 billion euros. This is a 40% increase compared to 2021. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry Bogdan Bogdanov at the opening of the Bulgarian-Turkish business forum, which is being held in Bansko, with the participation of over 250 companies from both countries.

During the official opening, the ambassador of Turkey to our country H.E. Eileen Sekizkök highlighted the good relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of security, energy, trade and investment.

Minister Bogdanov emphasized that there are already over 2,200 Turkish companies in Bulgaria, and their interest in investments in Bulgaria is growing significantly. According to him, this is also confirmed by the intention of a Turkish company, announced a few days ago, to invest another 50 million euros in the modernization and expansion of its production in Shumen.

"Alcomet" AD will invest the funds in new buildings, machines and equipment this year. The company has established itself in the production of details for the automotive sector, and with this investment it will also start producing for the aviation industry.

"We are proud that Bulgaria is growing in the supply chain, in what we produce. Companies are implementing more and more innovative solutions and increasing their efficiency and thus the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy," commented the Minister of Economy.

Minister Bogdanov indicated that within the framework of yesterday he had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, Yumer Bolat. According to him, the two discussed the activation of bilateral trade and economic relations and what measures could be taken by the government to ease traffic when passing through the border checkpoints between the two countries.

The forum is held for the second time and is organized by the Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The focus of this year's forum is the automotive industry, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, energy, furniture, IT and outsourcing, consulting and tourism services. The purpose of the business forum is to activate bilateral relations between business representatives, to provide opportunities for the exchange of experience, ideas, expertise, as well as to reveal new opportunities for partnerships and development in the country and the region.