German investors bring new, progressive models of relations between business, state and society to Bulgaria, thus contributing greatly to the development of a modern and competitive economy in our country. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who today awarded Dr Mitko Vassilev with the Order of Stara Planina, First Class. The long-standing General Manager of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce was honoured for his services to the development of trade and economic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Federal Republic of Germany.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Head of State highlighted the efforts and dedication Mitko Vassilev has contributed over the past thirty years to the development of the connectivity of the Bulgarian and German economy and has established the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce as one of the most prestigious business organizations in the country.
Radev highlighted the significant role of Mitko Vassilev in the dynamic and upward development of trade and economic cooperation with Germany. It is people like Mitko Vassilev who, with their determination and dedication, are paving strong paths of trust, friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding. Roads that withstand any political conjuncture, the Head of State further emphasised at the ceremony. He pointed out that Germany is one of the leading strategic investors in this country and the largest foreign market of the Bulgarian economy. In 2022, bilateral trade exceeded a record EUR 12 billion, the Head of State further said, adding that more than five thousand German companies are doing business in Bulgaria.
For his part, Mitko Vassilev thanked for the honour and the high state award he received, stressing that Germany is a strategically important and very strong partner of Bulgaria and expressed his expectation that in 2023 a new record in trade between the two countries will be achieved.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr Martin Wansleben, General Manager of the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), who expressed his gratitude for the exceptional dedication of Mitko Vassilev over the past thirty years and the successes achieved in the trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Germany, which were founded on friendship.
Earlier, the Head of State held a working meeting with Dr Wansleben, which was also attended by Mitko Vassilev. The prospects for fostering German investments in Bulgaria were discussed during the talks. The significant investments made so far in areas such as the automotive sector, the machine-building industry and the production of metals by the German business in Bulgaria are a good basis for the future deepening of the economic relations between the two countries, was the common position during the meeting. President Rumen Radev highlighted this country's ambitions in the field of innovation and high technology and in this regard underlined the high potential of young people in Bulgaria as a factor contributing to this country being a preferred location for significant investments.
The meeting was also attended by the newly appointed General Manager of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sonja Mikl, who will take up the post on 1 March this year.