Bulgarian companies received a clear signal from the US – business opportunities across the Atlantic are real, and partnerships are welcome. This became clear during the third international conference “Explore U.S.“, which was held in Sofia and brought together institutions, diplomats and business representatives.
At the very beginning, the acting US Embassy in Bulgaria, Martin McDowell, sent a direct message to entrepreneurs:
“We welcome you and are open to joint business.“
According to him, the key to success for Bulgarian companies that want to enter the American market is in the right choice of partner and strategy.
“I hope we can help investors find the right locations and solutions. Find both the right partner and the right deal," McDowell emphasized, adding that the opportunities in different American states are diverse and often underestimated. The diplomat also linked economic cooperation to the upcoming 250th anniversary of US independence in 2026, noting that it is precisely such moments that open up new horizons for partnerships. "Standing on the ideals with which our nation was created, we seek new opportunities," he said. In this regard, McDowell also announced the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Forum in Maryland, which is establishing itself as a key platform for international investors. He recalled that last year Bulgaria participated with a large business delegation.
„It was attended by representatives of companies from the software sector, the defense industry, logistics, and smart city technologies“, the diplomat specified.
During the forum, Ivan Mihaylov from the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria emphasized the global scale of economic relations between Europe and the United States.
„The measure of the transatlantic economy is 10 trillion US dollars“, he said, referring to the latest report „The Transatlantic Economy 2026“.
This figure clearly shows that Bulgarian business has the opportunity to be part of one of the largest economic systems in the world. This is precisely the goal of the “Explore U.S.” initiative.
„With today’s event, we aim to encourage entrepreneurs to become part of this transatlantic economy“, emphasized Mihaylov.
On the part of Bulgarian institutions, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Krassimir Piperkov defined relations with the United States as a strategic priority.
„Economic cooperation with the United States is of great strategic importance for Bulgaria“, he stated.
According to him, bilateral trade has been growing steadily over the past decade.
„Bilateral trade has increased more than threefold over the past 10 years to over 2 billion US dollars. But we have the potential to multiply it many times over," Piperkov emphasized.
Among the sectors with the greatest potential, he singled out information technology, industry, the food sector and textiles.
At the same time, the state declares its readiness to support businesses in the process of entering the American market through the network of trade attaches.
„I call on Bulgarian companies to take advantage of this assistance abroad," the deputy minister added.
One of the important highlights in Piperkov's speech was the topic of Bulgaria's inclusion in the visa-free travel program to the United States - a factor that can significantly accelerate business contacts.
„Obviously, the abolition of these visas will facilitate business partnerships. So I hope we will achieve success on this topic, he said.
The “Explore U.S.” conference clearly showed that the transatlantic economic space offers serious opportunities for Bulgarian companies. Support from institutions – both Bulgarian and American – is available.
The main question remains whether business will be able to take advantage of this potential. Because, as the American diplomat made clear, the opportunities are open – but success depends on finding the “right partner and the right deal.”