Willy Van Impe, long-time partner of BCCI, was awarded the “Golden Branch of Laurel” decoration for merits to Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign affairs bestowed its highest award - the “Golden Branch of Laurel” on Willy Van Impe, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in East Flanders.

The ceremony took place on 31 May 2017 at the Bulgarian Embassy in Belgium. The award which is only given to foreigners was presented by H.E. Maya Dobreva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is a recognition of Willy Van Impe’s immense contribution to the promotion of Bulgaria and its culture in Belgium and the strengthening of the bilateral ties and cooperation between Bulgaria and Belgium.

Willy Van Impe is a long-time partner of BCCI in the development of joint initiatives and projects in the social sphere and healthcare. With his participation, the Flemish experience in vocational training adapted to the Bulgarian conditions was implemented our country, in order to revive the labour market, encourage the entrepreneurial activity and stimulate the establishment of SMEs. The foundations for the establishment of entrepreneurial training centers out of office hours were laid within the system of chambers of commerce and industry throughout the country.

Upon receiving the award, Consul Van Impe said that he will continue to work in the future for the Bulgarian cause in cooperation with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.