President Radev, Czech Envoy Highlight Growing Bilateral Ties at BTL Industries Launch in Plovdiv

Plovdiv, The Gulf Observer: President Rumen Radev joined Czech officials, business leaders, and government representatives at a high-profile meeting organized by the Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the official opening of BTL Industries’ new production facility in Plovdiv. The event marked a significant milestone in Bulgarian-Czech economic cooperation and underscored the two nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

Among the distinguished attendees were Czech Ambassador to Bulgaria H.E. Miroslav Toman, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov, and Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Krasimir Yakimov. The meeting brought together key figures from state institutions, Czech enterprises, and the regional business sector.

In his address, Chamber President Maxim Behar emphasized the Chamber’s mission to serve as a vital link between Czech investors and the Bulgarian market. He noted that the organization is dedicated to offering consultancy and networking support to Czech businesses and to showcasing Bulgaria as a reliable and attractive investment destination.

President Radev lauded the initiative, describing such industrial collaborations as vital engines for economic development and regional prosperity. He commended the Chamber’s role in facilitating direct dialogue between the public and private sectors and encouraged sustained efforts to expand Bulgaria’s international economic engagements.

Ambassador Toman echoed these sentiments, calling Plovdiv a key industrial hub and an ideal location for Czech business growth. He praised the Bulgarian-Czech Chamber’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border commercial ties and highlighted the Czech Republic’s interest in deepening partnerships in Bulgaria and the wider region.

The event concluded with an interactive session where local entrepreneurs discussed opportunities for market expansion into the Czech Republic, strategic partnerships in Central Europe, and collaborative projects across diverse sectors.

According to the Bulgarian National Bank, Czech foreign direct investment in Bulgaria has reached approximately €486.2 million, with BTL Industries’ nearly BGN 100 million investment in its new Plovdiv facility comprising a major share. The project is seen as a vote of confidence in Bulgaria’s investment climate, workforce capabilities, and long-term economic potential.