http://www.bcci.bg/bulgarian/events/news20040414_1.htm (in Bulgarian)

Presentation of Bulgarian and Ukrainian Commercial and Information Center took place in Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry /BCCI/ within the framework of Bulgarian and Ukrainian Business Forum.

The Center will assist Bulgarian and Ukrainian companies in finding business partners and establishing contacts with Bulgarian neighbors, said during the presentation Alexander Demura, the Center Executive Director.

The Center was established according to bilateral agreement between Ukrainian and Bulgarian Presidents.

The founders of the Commercial and Information Center include BCCI, Ukrainian Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs, and SigmaBleyzer international investment company.

Business forum participants included representatives of nine major Ukrainian companies, which were presented by K. Grischenko, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs during his official visit to Sofia.

Ukrainian delegation included A. Samodurov, Deputy Ukrainian Foreign Minister and representatives of companies operating in electricity sector, oil and gas industry, machine-building, coal-mining industry, river transport, consulting services, etc.

Bulgarian delegation included representatives of Bulgargas, Metalsnab Holding, Stomana, Shenker, Electroimpeks, Steelmet, and Burgas free trade zone.

According to the Ministry of Economics, commodity turnover between Bulgaria and Ukraine is over  $297,444,000. In Bulgaria, there are 70 registered representative offices of Ukrainian companies. Major Bulgarian products exported to Ukraine include medicines, machine oils, perfumery, makeup, electrical equipment, copper ore, and tin.