Meeting with the Ambassador of New Zealand

H.E. Diana Reaich, Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova, seated in Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium, visited the BCCI and discussed with President Tsvetan Simeonov the possibilities for development of bilateral relations within the Free trade agreement between EU and New Zealand (FTA).

Tsvetan Simeonov introduced the Ambassador to the activities of the Chamber and the services provided to businesses and presented a review of the economic situation in Bulgaria, highlighting the tax system and the ranking of the country in international classifications.

Ambassador Reaich notified of the upcoming European Parliament voting on the FTA in November which is expected to increase and enhance bilateral trade and investment. Further, the Ambassador presented the leading economic sectors in the country such as agriculture, food and taste industry, wood processing industry, vine growing and winemaking, etc. The diplomat shared that the agricultural producers in the country do not receive any subsidies and what is more, they have also to pay taxes for the emission of greenhouse gases.

Simeonov expressed his delight with the stable progress of the negotiations on the EU and New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA), pointing out that the Agreement will expand the cooperation and avail considerable economic opportunities to companies and consumers from both countries.

Ambassador Reaich noted down that Bulgaria and New Zealand, being competitors on the global market, could also be partners in the areas of mechanical engineering, wood processing and furniture, food and beverage industry, collaborating and complementing each other.

The parties discussed the arrangement of a joint event with the Embassy of New Zeeland for the purpose of acquainting Bulgarian businesses with the advantages provided by the FTA and the conveniences it offers for the companies. BCCI will additionally inform of the upcoming initiative.