More than 20 representatives of Bulgarian companies and businesses from the city of Vratsa participated in a promotional meeting with the Dutch ambassador Van der Burgh.
He was accompanied by the Embassy's Economic Affairs Advisor and representatives of the Dutch-Bulgarian Business Organisation and the Dutch-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.
The meeting focused on construction, tourism, transport services, telecommunications, sewing industry, food production, packaging industry, agricultural machinery and agriculture, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.
The Netherlands has developed into one of Bulgaria's larger trading partners in recent years. The investments that Dutch companies make in Bulgaria not only contribute to the country's economic growth, but also transfer important technologies and knowledge to Bulgaria.
“The Netherlands has been in the first place when it comes to foreign direct investment in Bulgaria for more than ten years,” Bulgarian Trade Representative Simeonova stressed, adding that the Netherlands is also a supporter of Bulgaria’s closer integration into the EU.
According to Simeonova, there are many opportunities in Vratsa and northwestern Bulgaria for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. “We have the potential for closer cooperation not only in IT and engineering, but also in organic farming, agriculture and the food industry in general,” local officials said.
Ambassador Simon van der Burg said that he believes there are many business opportunities in this Bulgarian region. He also pointed out that there are about 5,000 Bulgarian students currently studying in the Netherlands.