Israeli Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission: Trade between Bulgaria and Israel at USD 230 Million in 2022

Jerusalem, 15 December, 2022 (TPS) -- KYUSTENDIL, SOUTH-WEST BULGARIA, 15.12.2022 (BTA)
The commercial and economic exchange between Bulgaria and Israel in 2022 stands at around USD 230 million, the bulk of which is imports by Israel from Bulgaria, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Sofia, Naama Levy, told BTA during her visit to Kyustendil.

Exports from Bulgaria to Israel stood at USD 160 million before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, but dropped to USD 117 million in 2020 and in 2021. According to the Israeli diplomat, Bulgarian exports to her country are starting to stabilize and even increase. “Making predictions based on figures would be difficult, but our goal is to present Bulgaria to more Israeli businesses,” she said.

According to statistics, some 250,000 citizens of Israel have visited Bulgaria in 2019, Levy said, adding that these figures are expected to increase. Israelis are well aware of Bulgaria and there’s no need to convince them to come and visit this country, she noted. “The good thing is that Bulgaria is a year-round destination and people can enjoy the seaside in the summer and the mountain in the winter,” she said.

Naama Levy visited Kyustendil as part of a tour of Bulgaria. “I have been in Bulgaria for a year and two months now. The Israeli Embassy is not just for Sofia, but for the whole country, which is one of the reasons I am trying to get to know it. Kyustendil is among the top destinations I was recommended,” the Deputy Chief of Mission said, noting that there is a certain degree of symbolism in her visit, because of the numerous events planned in the town for next March to mark the 80th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews.

During her visit, Naama Levy visited the Dimitar Peshev Museum and met with representatives of the Jewish community in the town.