The economic relations between Bulgaria and Turkey are characterized by a constant bilateral strategic interest

The President of BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov met with H.E. Mrs. Aylin Sekizkök, newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, Okan Pakbeşe, Commercial Counsellor and Murat Yağış, Second Secretary at the Turkish Embassy in Sofia.

During the meeting it was noted that the economic relations between the two countries are developing and are characterized by constant bilateral strategic interest, despite the international situation, the new risks and challenges. According to Ambassador Sekizkök, Turkey is looking for partners to deal with the difficulties and accepts Bulgaria as a natural one.

The economic entities in both countries are rethinking their activities, it became clear during the meeting, assessing the possibilities for change in the locations of production, supplies in the country, neighbouring countries or other continents. Turkey appreciates the benefits of economic cooperation with Bulgaria – its EU membership, the transit connection with other Member States, the favourable conditions for business and investment. Simeonov pointed out some of these characteristics, including incentives for investors and the low taxes. He commented on the expectations the economic growth forecasts in the country to change and pointed out that despite the freezing of many economic activities in the first half of 2020, the country recorded positive economic growth /2%/.

The President of the BCCI presented the structure of the Chamber to the Ambassador of Turkey, emphasizing the active relations of the Bulgarian regional chambers of commerce with partners from Turkey.

Among the discussed topics was the state of the tourism sector, as a heavily affected area by ​​the pandemic. The need to create a strategy for the sector was discussed, including developing additional protocols, requirements and regulations to be followed by companies providing tourism and related services, thus ensuring the safety of guests.

Last but not least, the need to respect the principle of reciprocity in opening the borders in the post-pandemic period was commented, which will restore the free movement of people, goods and services, tourism, transport and other activities between Bulgaria and Turkey.