Bulgaria’s Economy and Industry Minister Confers with Czechia’s Ambassador
Bulgaria’s Economy and Industry Minister, Peter Dilov, recently held talks with the Czech Republic’s Ambassador in Sofia, Miroslav Toman. The discussions underscored the robust trade and economic ties that exist between the two nations.
During their meeting, Dilov and Toman explored ways to enhance collaboration between companies from Bulgaria and the Czech Republic in critical sectors such as high-tech, mechanical engineering, transport, and energy. These areas hold significant potential for strengthening the bilateral economic relationship.
Minister Dilov expressed his perspective, stating, “The Czech Republic is one of our leading economic partners in Central Europe. While bilateral trade is at a high level, there is still room for growth.” According to recent statistics, trade between Bulgaria and the Czech Republic reached EUR 1.888 billion in 2024.
Further emphasizing the opportunities ahead, Dilov added, “I believe we can deepen our partnership by focusing our efforts on new, promising sectors and forms of cooperation.” He highlighted that attracting more Czech investment is a key priority for Bulgaria, noting that over 400 Czech companies currently operate in Bulgaria, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to technological advancements in the Bulgarian industry.
Ambassador Toman highlighted the successful presence of Czech companies in Bulgaria across various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, finance, healthcare, IT, logistics, and industrial production. These contributions by Czech enterprises demonstrate the mutual benefits and opportunities available for both nations.
The possibility of convening a meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation was also discussed. This meeting could outline new avenues for trade and investment, further enhancing the economic collaboration between the two countries.
Ambassador Toman mentioned the establishment of the Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce at the end of last year, which has rapidly grown to over 40 member companies. This initiative fosters stronger bilateral business relations and creates a more favorable environment for economic development.
Both parties agreed that Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen area presents even greater prospects for cooperation and joint projects between the two countries. This development is expected to facilitate smoother interactions and collaboration in various sectors, boosting both nations’ economies.
