On October 22, 2026, in Sofia, the Viet Nam Trade Office in Bulgaria coordinated with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to organize the Bulgaria - Viet Nam Business Forum and a business-to-business (B2B) networking programme. The event took place during a working visit to Bulgaria by a delegation of leaders and businesses from Thanh Hoa and Tay Ninh provinces, aiming to promote local strengths and expand bilateral cooperation in trade, industry and investment.

The forum was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet; Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the BCCI; Nguyen Thanh Hai, Deputy Secretary of the Tay Ninh provincial Party Committee; Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee; and more than 60 representatives from government agencies, associations and businesses from both countries.

At the forum, BCCI President Tsvetan Simeonov praised Viet Nam’s rapid economic development and highlighted opportunities arising from the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He also encouraged Bulgarian businesses to seek partners and expand business cooperation with Viet Nam.

Representing Viet Nam, Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee, and Huynh Van Son, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh provincial People’s Committee, presented the two provinces’ economic potential, competitive advantages and investment promotion priorities.

Thanh Hoa is focusing on sectors including processing and manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics industries, logistics and workforce training. Tay Ninh is prioritizing high-tech industries, supporting industries, industrial park development, logistics, clean energy and high-tech agriculture.

A key highlight of the forum was the B2B networking session, which gave businesses from both countries an opportunity to present their capabilities, discuss business needs and explore cooperation in industrial production, industrial park infrastructure development, trade, services and investment. Initial discussions opened up opportunities for market research, partner matching and further consideration of specific joint projects.

During the delegation’s visit to Bulgaria, the Viet Nam Trade Office also presented an overview of bilateral economic, trade and investment relations, outlining market potential, competitive strengths and cooperation opportunities in trade, industry, energy, technology and logistics.

The Trade Office particularly highlighted Bulgaria’s role as a gateway to the EU market and the Balkan region. It also proposed potential areas of cooperation aligned with the strengths and development priorities of each locality.

Through these activities, the Viet Nam Trade Office in Bulgaria continues to serve as a bridge between local authorities, associations and business communities in the two countries. Its efforts aim to help businesses find partners, expand into new markets and advance cooperation in trade, industry, technology and investment, contributing to the practical implementation of the Viet Nam - Bulgaria Strategic Partnership.