On 24 April 2026, in Sofia, the Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber was officially inaugurated at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event, attended by representatives of the business communities from both countries, also featured a business forum that provided an excellent opportunity for networking and the development of more advanced forms of cooperation.

Among those present were Anton Kostadinov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry of Bulgaria; Agnesa Rusi-Popovska, Ambassador of North Macedonia to Bulgaria; Vasil Todorov, Vice President of BCCI; Dr. Jelisaveta Georgieva-Jovevska, Vice President and Advisor for Economic Development and Infrastructure at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia; mayors and deputy mayors from Southwestern Bulgaria; Biljana Miteva, President of the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce; and company representatives from both countries.

Atanas Radev was elected President of the newly established Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber. In his address, Radev stated that the creation of the Chamber represents “the Bulgarian-side foundation of the bridge” between the two countries, the other side of which has already been established by chambers from North Macedonia. Deputy Minister Kostadinov assessed that “the bridge between Bulgaria and Macedonia is almost fully built” and that the focus should now shift to further developing and enhancing bilateral business relations. He described the current trade of €1.3 billion (according to Bulgarian statistics) as “too small for the potential of the two economies,” pointing to energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture as sectors with significant potential.

Ambassador Rusi-Popovska welcomed the establishment of the Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber as “a clear signal of renewed ambition toward pragmatism and mutual commitment.” She emphasized that Bulgaria is among North Macedonia’s most important trading partners and that economic ties should be deepened through mutual investments, industrial cooperation, innovation, and joint infrastructure projects. “We need to move from trade toward closer mutual relations,” she said.

Dr. Jelisaveta Georgieva-Jovevska highlighted that companies from both countries have established long-term cooperation that continues to improve year by year. She stressed that chambers of commerce from both countries play an important role in helping companies find business partners, connect to leverage their respective potentials, participate in joint regional projects, and strengthen cross-border cooperation. She underlined that for our country, the implementation of infrastructure projects within Corridor 8 is particularly important, as it will increase the flow of people, goods, and services—not only between the two countries but across the wider region.

According to data from the State Statistical Office of the RNM, total foreign trade between North Macedonia and Bulgaria in 2025 amounted to €998 million, making Bulgaria the country’s sixth-largest trading partner. Exports of Macedonian products to Bulgaria reached €458 million, marking a 4.5% increase compared to 2024, while imports from Bulgaria totaled €540 million.

Bulgarian companies continue to show strong interest, including in investing in Macedonia in sectors such as banking, metallurgy, technology, communications, software, as well as the food industry and trade. At the same time, companies from North Macedonia are also active in Bulgaria, with investments primarily in the food industry and tourism.