Germany remains Bulgaria's strongest economic partner. Trade between the two countries for 2024 amounts to EUR 12 billion, said Tim Kurth, President of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.  At a ceremony held at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce presented the 21st Awards of the German Economy in Bulgaria.

The awarded companies are in three categories. The computer software company SAP Labs Bulgaria received the award in the category "Large Enterprise with a Focus on Innovation". Robot maker Simobotics was awarded in the category "Small and Medium-sized Enterprise with a Focus on Innovation". Kaufland Bulgaria won the award in the category ''ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance''.

Germany is a strategic partner of Bulgaria, leading both in trade and investments, emphasized Bulgaria’s Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov. He described German companies as reliable and long-term investors, despite the challenging economic situation in the past year.

Germany supports Bulgaria's economic integration with the European family, including its membership in Schengen and its future entry into the eurozone, said the Ambassador  of Germany to Bulgaria, Irene Maria Plank.