First Event of  French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sofia, February 1 (BTA) - "The strengthening of the confidence with our partners is of exceptional importance and a major step in affirming Bulgaria as an attractive investment destination and promising market," caretaker Economy Minister Teodor Sedlarski said during the first event on the calendar of the French-Bulgarian Trade and Industrial Chamber, the Ministry's press centre said. French Ambassador here Eric Lebedel played host to the event.

Minister Sedlarski noted that the purpose is to respond to the changes on the labour market through promotion of investments in high-tech and innovative productions and strengthening the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy on the international markets.

He was adamant that the Economy Ministry will keep on working for the strengthening of the ties and the development of partnership with the business circles because meetings with companies outline very clearly the questions, in regards to which the institutions should make additional efforts, as well as the priorities for cooperation.

France is among Bulgaria's leading trade partners in Europe, the Minister also said.
"The direct French investments in Bulgaria since 1996 exceed 1,500 million euro. The share of French investments is the largest in industry, followed by finance, trade, agriculture, construction and the banking sector," he added.

Sedlarski outlined the favourable macroeconomic indicators in Bulgaria: 3.6 per cent growth of GDP in the second quarter of 2016, slashing unemployment below 8 per cent and an increase of exports by 1.5 per cent in January-November 2016.