DCM Remarks for Explore USA/SelectUSA Conference

Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov

AmCham President Olivier Marquette

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning,

Thank you for your interest in learning how and why the United States is an excellent destination to grow your already successful Bulgarian businesses.

One of our embassy’s highest priorities is strengthening the bonds of friendship between the United States and Bulgaria.  I have found that building close business relationships is an excellent way for our nations and our people to grow together. That is why we devote our energies to encouraging trade between our countries as well as U.S. investment in opportunities in Bulgaria and Bulgarian investment in opportunities in the United States.  Working together as equals in business opens the door for economic growth and jobs in both our countries.

Today, you are going to learn more about how to grow your business in the U.S.  I want to draw your attention to a great opportunity to build on what you learn today and find new contacts to turn your dreams into reality:  the SelectUSA Investment Summit, which will take place in Washington, DC, June 10-12.  At this Summit you can meet with economic development officials from all 50 U.S. states and other territories. SelectUSA Summits attract more than 2,800 multinational, small and medium-sized enterprises and high-growth startups participants as well as some 1,200 global business investors from over 60 international markets.

At the June investment summit, you, as a successful Bulgarian business, will learn about the U.S. investment environment, U.S. industry trends, U.S. FDI strategies, and other practical and concrete information on how to invest and grow your business in the United States, and around the world. The Summit includes a module for first-time investors and numerous events sponsored by many of the state economic development offices.

Our team at the U.S. Embassy and ourU.S. Department of Commerce experts here in Sofia can assist you in getting ready for the investment summit. Then, once in the U.S., you will also have a team to assist you with your expansion there.

On behalf of the United States government — I want to thank you for coming today to explore opportunities to grow together.  If you are as excited as I am about the possibilities of working together, I hope you will take the next step and consider attending the June investment summit.

You have an excellent event program ahead of you where you will hear about case studies from other countries in the region as well as from Bulgarian companies that have successfully invested in the U.S. market.  I wish you and your company success going forward and thank you for considering the United States as an investment destination for your business.