site.btaFrench Investments in Bulgaria Exceed EUR 1 Bln

Over 200 French companies are doing business in Bulgaria, and direct investments from France amount to EUR 1.028 billion euro, it transpired at a meeting of caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Nikola Stoyanov with French business representatives here within the Breakfast with Investors format. French companies have created over 15,000 jobs in Bulgaria, Stoyanov said, as quoted by his Ministry.

It is important for these companies to have direct dialogue with the corresponding minister and raise all the problems they have, he went on to say. “Our goal is to jointly seek solutions and outline the priority areas for deeper partnership,” he added.

France is a traditional trade and economic partner of Bulgaria. In addition to political, cultural, and historical ties, the two countries have good trade relations. In 2021, the bilateral trade grew by over 17% from 2020 to reach EUR 2.2 billion.  Bulgarian export to France increased by 18% to EUR 1.2 billion. Exported are products of the machine building, food and pharmaceutical industries, sunflower oil, mineral fertilizers, corn, and essential oils, among other products. 

The French business representatives were acquainted with the concept for changing the way industrial zones in Bulgaria work and are managed.

Among the problems the French businesses are experiencing in Bulgaria are the shortage of personnel and the need of broadening dual education, it transpired at the meeting. 

The meeting was organized with the support of the French Embassy in Sofia and the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Tuesday’s meeting was the third in the Breakfast with Investors format. The previous meetings were with representatives of Austrian and German businesses in Bulgaria.