Experts from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development – Bulgaria (CEED Bulgaria), together with representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), conducted a working visit to Armenia as part of the “Functionally Sustainable Migration and Integration in Bulgaria” (FUMI in Bulgaria) project, implemented with the support of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Bulgaria and co-funded by the European Union.
The visit was part of the project’s international information campaign aimed at promoting the BGJobs online platform (www.bgjobsportal.com), which connects Bulgarian employers with job seekers from third countries.
The programme began with an official meeting at the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), where participants discussed the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Armenia, as well as opportunities to expand partnerships in support of businesses and the labour market.
The Bulgarian delegation was welcomed by Karen Ivanov, Vice President of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the Armenian and Bulgarian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the positive development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. During the meeting, the participants explored opportunities to expand bilateral trade, promote exports, and develop joint initiatives.
Representatives of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also announced their planned visit to Sofia in August, during which a new Memorandum of Cooperation with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to be signed.
During the meeting, Stanislav Chervenkov, Executive Director of CEED Bulgaria, presented the activities of the organisation and the main objectives of the FSMI in Bulgaria project, which aims to attract qualified workforce from Albania, Armenia, Vietnam, Ukraine, and Moldova. He also introduced the BGJobs platform as a tool for effectively connecting employers with job seekers and provided information about the employer registration and verification process.
Gabriela Dimitrova, Director of International Cooperation and International Organizations at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented the upcoming online information events under the project and outlined opportunities for promoting the platform among potential job seekers.
Representatives of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed their interest in the initiative and their support for its objectives. The discussion focused on opportunities to promote the project through universities, business organisations, and professional communities, with a particular emphasis on students, young professionals, and potential job candidates.
The participants also discussed the shortage of qualified professionals in Bulgaria and the need for sustainable mechanisms to attract workforce from third countries. Good international practices in vocational education and workforce training were also presented.
The working visit laid the foundations for strengthening cooperation between CEED Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their active dialogue and implementing joint initiatives in support of businesses and the labour market.
