BULGARIA CONFIRMED AS MARKET-BASED ECONOMY
U.S. to Send Business Development Mission
to Bulgaria Later This Year

Following meetings with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg, U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans confirmed that the U.S. will acknowledge Bulgaria as a market-based economy.

Evans also announced that the Commerce Department will lead a business development mission to Bulgaria later this year to further expand economic and commercial relations between the two nations.

“The business development mission will build on President Bush’s eagerness to expand commercial ties around the world and underscores the maturing relationship between Bulgaria and the U.S.,” said Evans. “Increased commerce between our two countries will open opportunities for entrepreneurs, grow our economies and create higher paying jobs.”

“Bulgaria has made significant economic reforms over the last number of years. Commercial development between our two nations will lead to peace, prosperity and economic stability in the U.S. and Bulgaria,” Evans emphasized.

Evans traveled to Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia, February 27-March 1, at the request of President Bush to demonstrate America’s support and appreciation of these countries as part of the Administration’s ongoing effort to pursue peace and diplomacy abroad.

Evans is the first Cabinet Secretary to visit Bulgaria since Bush took office.