Bulgaria and Turkey have recorded a new peak in their economic relations, with bilateral trade reaching nearly 9 billion euros in 2025, according to Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Anton Kostadinov. The figure represents an increase of more than 18% compared to the previous year, placing Turkey among the leading markets for Bulgarian exports. Kostadinov presented the data during a seminar titled ?Business Cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey - Opportunities, Prospects and Success Stories?, which gathered over 70 companies from both countries.

He described Turkey as a long-standing and strategic partner, stressing that the relationship is built on sustained economic exchange, mutual trust and shared development goals. ?According to BNB data, direct Turkish investments in Bulgaria by the end of 2025 amount to over 1.5 billion euros,? Kostadinov said, noting that Turkish firms are active across industry, infrastructure, construction, automotive production, textiles and food processing. He also pointed to areas with further growth potential, including information and communication technologies, trade digitalization, mechanical engineering, electronics and electrical engineering.

The discussion at the forum also focused on future joint projects in higher value-added sectors such as transport and logistics, energy and innovation. Participants highlighted the importance of developing logistics hubs and industrial zones in border regions, with the aim of reinforcing trade flows and positioning the area as a strategic link between Europe and Asia.

The event was organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with European chambers under the ?EU?Turkey Business Dialogue? initiative, which seeks to facilitate business contacts, support partnerships and deepen economic cooperation between the EU and Turkey. The opening was attended by Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Uyan?k, while BCCI Chairman Tsvetan Simeonov also took part in the forum.