Deputy Minister of Economy: Trade with Canada increases over the recent years

Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of the Economy Lilia Ivanova met with HE Kevin Hamilton, Canadian Ambassador based in Bucharest, Romania, accredited to Bulgaria. This was announced by the Ministry's press office on December 19. The two discussed trade and economic co-operation between the two countries, a comprehensive economic and trade agreement between the EU and Canada (SETA), and Canada's support for Bulgaria's membership of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Ivanova pointed out that the data on trade between Bulgaria and Canada show significant rise in the recent years, with an increase of 29% in 2018 alone, reflecting mainly the 60% increase in Bulgarian exports.

There is a relatively steady upward trend in the value of exports to Canada of a range of goods such as: pharmaceuticals, sunflower seeds, optical fibers, integrated circuits, agricultural machinery, metalworking tools, calculating machines and cash registers, engine parts, cosmetics and others.

Ambassador Hamilton said that 14 European countries have already ratified the SETA agreement, and that Canada is supporting our country in the OECD accession process.

During the meeting, the two discussed the possibility of holding a joint business forum in Bulgaria in sectors with high investment potential.