BCCI Study on Attitudes of the Bulgarian Business towards Cooperation with Foreign Partners

More than 76% of the Bulgarian companies are looking for economic cooperation with partners abroad, according to a study of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). This aims mainly at increasing the exports of manufactured goods. At the same time, 36% of the companies are looking for import partners; 28% need partners for joint investment in Bulgaria and 12% are on the lookout for partners for investment abroad.

The most attractive destination for business contacts and trips is China, preferred by 54% of the respondents. The second and the most preferred country within the EU is Germany, followed by Italy, Serbia, Romania, Macedonia and Russia.

In terms of sectors, those who travel to find foreign partnerships are mostly engaged within the machine building sector – 40%. The next most active sectors are food and beverage production, textile and clothing, as well as electronics.

Most respondents say they do not know well enough the business and trading conditions in the countries where they want to establish business relationships. We remind you that the BCCI organizes practical trainings on the specifics of trade with countries around the globe and has experience in building sustainable business relationships. All upcoming business events organized by the BCCI are available here: http://www.bcci.bg/seminars.html and here: http://www.bcci.bg/payment_bcci/

The growing interest in exports to foreign markets is also demonstrated by the preliminary data for 2017 of the NSI. Total exports to third countries and the EU amounted to BGN 52 233 million last year. This corresponds to an increase of 10.7 % in exports, compared to the year before. The upward trend is also expected to remain in 2018, on the back of improved overall performance of the European economy and growing global trade.