More than 120 bilateral meetings between construction companies from Bulgaria and Türkiye

Bilateral meetings with Turkish companies from the construction sector were held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. BCCI, together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bursa and the Trade office at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Sofia, organized the forum.

The event was opened by Dr. Vasil Todorov, Secretary General of BCCI. He once again expressed his condolences for those who died in the earthquakes in Türkiye and declared readiness for the provision of assistance and collaboration to the victims, on behalf of the Chamber. BCCI has already sent a letter to the Union of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye in an expression of sympathy, as well as supported the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to collect funds for the affected areas, including also the option for a monetary donation. BCCI invites its members to also contribute with monetary and non-monetary donations according to their capabilities.

"Construction is the sector that will play a significant role in the recovery process of Türkiye, and many Bulgarian companies have expressed their readiness and willingness to work with Turkish partners," said Mr. Todorov. As a result, 17 Turkish and more than 50 Bulgarian companies participated in the meetings organized at the premises of BCCI.

Çagatay Baser, Türkiye's trade adviser in our country, indicated that the human victims of the devastating earthquakes are already over 35,000. He thanked for the help and support provided by Bulgaria to his country at this difficult time. The Bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Türkiye in 2022 amounts to 7 billion dollars. A goal has been set for the trade to grow to 10 billion this year, Baser said.

Alparslan Senocak, a member of the Board of Directors of CCI Bursa, and leader of the Turkish business delegation thanked BCCI for the warm welcome and empathy. About 10 major cities in Türkiye were affected by the earthquakes. "As neighbors, we are happy to maintain very good relations between the two countries, which also positively affects business," he said. He expressed the opinion that Bulgaria's geographical location and its membership in the EU provide excellent conditions for Turkish investments. It is well known that there are many immigrants from Bulgaria in Bursa, and a large number of them are company owners, very actively involved in the business life of the city and the region.

Çagatay Baser, Turkey's trade adviser in our country, indicated that the human victims of the devastating earthquakes are already over 35,000. He thanked for the help and support provided by Bulgaria to his country at this difficult time. The Bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Turkey in 2022 amounts to 7 billion dollars. A goal has been set this year for the trade to grow up to 10 billion, said Baser. Since the focus of the meetings was on the construction sector, the Bulgarian and the Turkish companies discussed the possibilities for trade - import-export of various products and raw materials for construction. Much of the conversation was between property developers and contractors dealing with all elements of the turnkey construction process. The meetings were attended by representatives of industrial zones and parks from Bulgaria, which offer good conditions for Turkish investors.

More than 120 meetings were held throughout the forum.