Meeting between Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov , BCCI President, and Mr. Alexander Tomilov, Commercial Representative of the Russian Federation

On 17 March 2010, a meeting between the BCCI President Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov and Mr. Alexander Tomilov, commercial representative of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria, took place at the BCCI premises . The meeting was on the request of the Russian party.

Main topic of the meeting - possibilities to activate the efforts of the two chambers to support inter-business contacts and encourage mutual trade .

Mr. Tomilov expressed wish that the excellent commercial relations between the two countries be preserved in spite of the reported decrease by more than 50 % for 2009 in the mutual commodity exchange under the influence of the economic crisis . Promoting the commercial relations includes increase of Russian investments in Bulgaria , realization of the energy projects, the transport corridors , intensifying the marine and the railway transport .

Mr. Simeonov underlined that Russia is our strategic partner and the BCCI works and will continue to work in service of the business communities from both countries by helping Russian and Bulgarian firms establish business contacts.

Mr. Alexander Tomilov informed that with the assistance of the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Foods, a permanent pavilion has been organized, where Bulgarian firms from the foodstuff industry and wine producers will be able to offer their products during the year 2010 . Provided was information on the forthcoming information forum “Technologies in Machine Building 2010” to take place in Zhukovsky town, Moscow region , in the period 30 June – 4 July 2010. For more information : the forum website: www.forumtvm.ru , or e-mail to: info @forumtbm .ru .

Mr. Simeonov defined the organization of a permanent stand for Bulgarian products in Russia as a wonderful initiative , which will affirm the positions of well-known products on the Russian market and will help the Bulgarian small and medium-size business overcome the crisis more easily .

The two countries agreed to continue in future to promote the economic cooperation by exchange of information, participation in joint initiatives, exchange of business delegations, etc.