Bulgaria-Türkiye trade hits record

Trade between Bulgaria and Türkiye reached a record €9 billion in 2025, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year, Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Anton Kostadinov said on Tuesday, according to his ministry.

He spoke at a forum on prospects and opportunities for bilateral business cooperation, attended by representatives of 70 Bulgarian and Turkish companies, CE Report quotes BTA.

The minister noted that Türkiye is among the leading export markets for Bulgaria.

During the forum, Kostadinov emphasized that Türkiye is a long-standing strategic partner of Bulgaria, with relations based on mutual trust, active economic exchange, and shared development ambitions. He cited central bank data showing that Turkish foreign direct investment in Bulgaria exceeded €1.5 billion by the end of 2025.

Turkish companies operate in sectors including industry, infrastructure, construction, automotive manufacturing, textiles, and food and beverages.

The deputy minister highlighted promising cooperation areas such as information and communication technologies, trade digitalization, mechanical engineering, electronics, and electrical engineering.

The forum also discussed opportunities for joint projects in high value-added sectors such as transport and logistics, energy, and innovation. Participants also examined the development of logistics centers and industrial zones in border regions, aiming to boost trade and turn the area into a strategic corridor between Europe and Asia.

The event was organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with Eurochambres as part of the EU–Türkiye Business Dialogue initiative. The format aims to create partnership opportunities, facilitate business contacts, and deepen economic ties between the EU and Türkiye.

The Turkish Ambassador to Bulgaria, Mehmet Uyanık, addressed participants, and Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took part in the opening session.