Minister Dilov: We give priority to the partnership with Austria

Austria is one of the most important economic partners of Bulgaria, and Austrian companies are among the leading investors in our country. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Petar Dilov, who held a meeting with the Ambassador of Austria to our country, H.E. Andrea Ikic-Böhm. It became clear at the meeting that about 10% of the largest foreign investors in Bulgaria are Austrian companies, which operate in almost all sectors of our economy. Austrian investments in our country amount to over 5.2 billion euros, and approximately 350 Austrian companies have representative offices in our country.

 The Minister of Economy and the Ambassador of Austria to Bulgaria discussed cooperation in sectors such as microelectronics, automotive, innovation, as well as in the field of energy, technology, etc. The meeting also discussed the partnership in the field of dual training between the two countries.

 The two agreed that although there has been an increase in trade exchange over the past 10 years, there is potential for deeper cooperation and implementation of joint projects between the two countries, especially after Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen.

The Minister of Economy and Industry and the Ambassador of Austria to Bulgaria expressed their readiness to organize business forums and working meetings with potential investors this year, which would provide new opportunities for the development of trade and economic relations.

 Minister Dilov emphasized that active work is eing done to reduce the administrative burden and improve the business environment, as well as to restore confidence in Bulgaria as a reliable partner and location for investments.

H.E. Andrea Ikic-Böhm emphasized that the two countries have good and intensive economic cooperation. She presented the results of the annual survey of Advantage Austria among Austrian companies operating in our country, emphasizing that for them it is important to have stability and predictability, as well as the absence of unnecessary bureaucracy.

She pointed out that the good examples of Austrian investors who are already in Bulgaria are good advertising and new Austrian companies are interested in investing in our country in the fields of IT, banking and insurance sectors and energy.

 The two also discussed the process of our country's accession to the OECD and the eurozone, with H.E. Ikic-Böhm indicating that Austria firmly supports Bulgaria in fulfilling the necessary criteria.