The President of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, Radosvet Radev, held a work meeting with Ulrike Straka - Head of the Austrian Trade Representation in Bulgaria on June 16th. At the end of Ms Shtraka's term, both parties discussed current economic issues concerning the Austrian- Bulgarian relations.
"I want to thank you personally for our joint initiatives and events over the years and assure you that the relations between BIA and the Austrian Trade Representation will continue evolving," Straka declared, adding that the new Head Philip Kupfer will step into office in August 2021
Ms Straka and Mr Radev also addressed the COVID-19 impact on the countries economies, the quality of the respective measures in their support and the necessity of their continuation.
"Bulgaria's economy has declined by 4%, whereas the Austrian has doubled. I think this is due to artificial pumping, which will lead to numerous bankruptcies," Ulrike Straka stated.
The Austrian Trade Office has focused its efforts on developing an information campaign for the affected companies, even though the economy is already reviving, according to Ms Shtraka. More and more Austrian companies are looking for a market but are actively seeking partnerships with Bulgarian companies, especially metalworking.
They also addressed the political situation in Bulgaria and business expectations. "One thing is clear from the meetings between employers' organizations and political parties - we all want a regular government that creates greater stability," BIA Chairman Radosvet Radev said, who isn't ruling out the possibility of Bulgaria adopting the Israelian political model.
The head of the Austrian Trade Representation in Bulgaria and the President of BIA also examined the emerging inflation in world prices, problems in the supply chain of raw materials, the difficulties in the tourism sector, and Bulgaria and Austria's experience managing the health and economic crisis.
"I am closing my term with excellent feelings from our joint work, and I am sure that with Mr Kupfer, you will set even new, higher goals for the mutually beneficial economic relations between Bulgaria and Austria. ", Ms Shtraka concluded.
