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Description
This project, initiated by the Norwegian-Bulgarian Business Group (NBBG), aligns with the broader objective of the Business Programme in Bulgaria, under Norway Grants, which seeks to mitigate economic and social disparities in Europe. NBBG is committed to fostering stronger Norwegian-Bulgarian business relationships and bolstering bilateral economic activities. By providing market studies, networking opportunities, and organizing events and conferences, NBBG plays a pivotal role in strengthening these ties. With the recent establishment of the Norwegian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce in Norway, this initiative extends its reach to further promote the advantages of doing business in Bulgaria and stimulate bilateral partnerships.
The core objective of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian SMEs by promoting the production of eco-friendly products within the food processing and beverage industry. It will also facilitate the implementation of biodegradable packaging through collaboration with Norwegian partners while strengthening international market presence. Furthermore, the project aims to forge closer connections between companies in both countries, ultimately increasing bilateral turnover in the specified sectors and fostering new collaborative endeavors focused on sustainable growth.''
To achieve these goals, NBBG will organize a series of events to introduce select Bulgarian companies producing organic, innovative, and biodegradable products to potential Norwegian partners. These events are set to lay the groundwork for long-term relations between the target groups, including the participation of Bulgarian companies in the UMAMI Arena, workshops on best practices, and matchmaking events, all aimed at furthering cross-border cooperation.
The partnerships established during the different events could be further developed in the frame of the new EEA and Norway Grant period.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges faced by Bulgarian SMEs in the food processing and beverage industry. These included the need to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability practices in a rapidly evolving market. One major challenge was the limited adoption of environmentally friendly and green production methods, which hindered the ability of Bulgarian SMEs to compete with more sustainable counterparts in the international market. The project sought to overcome this by promoting the production of green products and the use of biodegradable packaging, thereby supporting environmentally responsible business practices.
Another challenge was the lack of international market presence for many Bulgarian SMEs, which restricted their opportunities for growth and expansion. The project aimed to strengthen the international presence of these companies by fostering collaborations and partnerships, particularly with Norwegian firms, known for their advanced sustainable practices. This cross-country cooperation aimed to create a foundation for increased bilateral trade and facilitate the development of new joint projects that emphasized green and sustainable growth.
Ultimately, the project sought to address these challenges by building stronger business connections between Bulgaria and Norway, boosting trade turnover in the targeted sectors, and encouraging long-term collaborations that could lead to further advancements in sustainable business practices and international competitiveness.
The project aimed to boost the competitiveness of Bulgarian SMEs, promote the production of green products and biodegradable packaging, and enhance bilateral trade with Norway. Key activities included:
- Bulgarian Stand at UMAMI Arena: Bulgarian companies showcased organic and biodegradable products, engaged in networking, and established connections with Norwegian partners.
- Follow-up Visit in Sofia: Norwegian companies visited Bulgarian businesses to explore joint projects and deepen partnerships.
- Publicity Campaign: Raised project awareness through media coverage and social channels.
Outputs included increased SME competitiveness, strengthened Bulgarian-Norwegian cooperation, new green products and services, and the formation of bilateral partnerships, driving sustainable growth and innovation.
The project aimed to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian SMEs by promoting the production of green products and biodegradable packaging, in collaboration with Norwegian partners. Key results included the establishment of partnerships between Bulgarian and Norwegian companies, fostering the sharing of best practices in sustainable production and innovation.
Outcomes and Impacts:
- Enhanced Competitiveness and Sustainability: Bulgarian SMEs benefited from exposure to Norwegian expertise in eco-friendly production, allowing them to adopt green business practices, produce organic and biodegradable products, and improve their sustainability efforts.
Beneficiaries: Bulgarian companies producing food, beverages, and eco-friendly products like honey, wine, cosmetics, yogurt, cheese, and biodegradable packaging.
Stronger Bilateral Trade and Market Reach: The project facilitated long-term business relationships, leading to an increase in bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Norway. This helped Bulgarian SMEs expand their market presence and access new business opportunities.
Beneficiaries: Bulgarian SMEs looking to diversify and grow, and Norwegian firms seeking high-quality, sustainable products from Bulgaria.
Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Adoption: Through collaborative events and knowledge-sharing, Bulgarian companies were able to learn and implement Norwegian practices in green business models and sustainable packaging.
Beneficiaries: Bulgarian businesses that enhanced their operational capabilities and production processes.
- Foundation for Future Joint Projects: The project laid the groundwork for future partnerships and joint ventures focused on green and sustainable growth, contributing to long-term industrial and economic benefits.
Beneficiaries: Both Bulgarian and Norwegian companies poised to embark on new projects, promoting shared growth in the targeted sectors.
Overall, the project created significant opportunities for Bulgarian SMEs to become more competitive in international markets through sustainable practices, while also benefiting Norwegian companies by strengthening their supply chains and market access. The collaboration fostered long-term economic growth and innovation in both countries.
Summary of bilateral results
The project successfully laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships between Bulgarian enterprises and Norwegian partners, focusing on promoting green and sustainable growth, eco-friendly production, and biodegradable packaging. This initial phase set the stage for enhanced cooperation and the potential for increased competitiveness among Bulgarian SMEs.In the second phase, the project raised awareness among Norwegian representatives about the opportunities for green collaboration within the Bulgarian market. Through knowledge and know-how exchange in areas such as sustainability, environmental protection, and ecological solutions, Norwegian participants were able to identify potential Bulgarian partners and market opportunities. Conversely, Bulgarian companies gained valuable insights from their Norwegian counterparts, learning how to implement green solutions to foster business growth and improve competitiveness.Overall, these bilateral results are expected to strengthen economic and industrial relations between Bulgaria and Norway, contributing to sustained growth and long-term cooperation in the targeted sectors