Minister Dilov: Bulgarian-French Economic Relations Are Showing Positive Development
Direct investments from France in Bulgaria amount to nearly €1.5 billion
In recent years, Bulgarian-French economic relations have shown positive development. Trade with France exceeded €2.616 billion in 2024. This was announced during a meeting between the Minister of Economy and Industry, Petar Dilov, and H.E. Mr. Joël Meyer, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria. Mr. Stéphane Delahaye, Chairman of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB), also participated in the meeting.
Minister Dilov emphasized that French companies are among the leading investors in Bulgaria, with direct investments from France amounting to €1.5 billion. “Despite the positive development of our economic relations, there is potential for deeper cooperation and the implementation of joint projects,” he noted.
During the meeting, the latest survey by the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was presented, which indicates that French companies operating in Bulgaria give a positive assessment of the country’s business environment, with most of them expanding their production in Bulgaria.
Minister Dilov and Mr. Joël Meyer acknowledged the potential for bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, innovation, and infrastructure development.
“The Ministry of Economy and Industry is actively working to reduce the administrative burden on businesses by creating better regulations and speeding up administrative procedures,” Minister Dilov stated.
The meeting also addressed Bulgaria’s accession process to the Eurozone and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Both parties agreed that Bulgaria’s membership in these organizations would help increase investor confidence and security.
Minister Dilov also extended congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We highly value the Chamber’s consistent efforts and active role in promoting and developing economic relations between France and Bulgaria,” he added.
During the discussions, the French ambassador and representatives of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented various initiatives aimed at promoting Bulgaria as an investment destination to French businesses.