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# Country Commercial Guide

# "New EU 2"

# Bulgaria and Romania

-   [Chapter 1: Doing Business In Romania and Bulgaria](#ch1)

-   [Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment](#ch2)

-   [Chapter 3: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and
    Investment](#_Chapter_3:_Leading)

-   [Chapter 4: Contacts, Market Research and Trade
    Events](#_Chapter_4:_Contacts,)

########  Bulgaria Romania

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Bulgaria and Romania have become full members of the EU, whose
membership now stands at 27. After seven years of preparation, their
accession marks the completion of the sixth EU enlargement.

The entry of Bulgaria and Romania on January 1, 2007 marked an historic
achievement, with the EU welcoming some 30 million new citizens. \"This
enlargement has consolidated peace and brought more prosperity to
Europe. This is the right decision for Bulgaria and for Romania, and
this is the right decision for Europe,\" declared Commission president
Jose Manuel Barroso.

Entering the New EU 2 market, should be the right decision for YOU!

# [[]{#ch1 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 1: Doing Business In Romania and Bulgaria

-   [Market Overview](#market-overview-return-to-top)

-   [Market Challenges](#market-challenges-return-to-top)

-   [Market Opportunities](#market-opportunities-return-to-top)

-   [Market Entry Strategy](#market-entry-strategy-return-to-top)

## Market Overview [**Return to top**](#ch1)

**Bulgaria**

2007 brought Bulgaria into the European Union and into the U.S.-EU
trading relationship. Today, the largest foreign investor in Bulgaria is
a U.S. company, the largest portfolio investor in Bulgaria is a U.S.
firm, and our bilateral trade continues to break records. The signing of
the U.S.-Bulgarian Defense Cooperation Agreement provided further
evidence of the deepening of the strategic political and military
partnership between our two countries. This year promises even greater
trade and investment achievements with a bilateral investment treaty
signed in January, and a bilateral treaty to avoid double taxation on
track to be finalized this year. The Bulgarian economy will continue to
grow at a 5.5%-6% per year, and corporate tax rates were lowered to 10%.

Bulgaria\'s commercial climate offers political stability, strong
economic growth, a highly qualified work force, strategic location and
low costs. While the domestic market is relatively small, Bulgaria is an
excellent launching pad for sales into the European Union, Russia,
Turkey and the Middle East. Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in
2007. The general attitude in Bulgaria is pro-American and the Bulgarian
market is receptive to American goods and services.

**Romania**

As a new member of the European Union beginning with January 1^st^,
2007, Romania enjoys real competitive advantages that recommend it as an
attractive market for foreign investment and exports. It encompasses one
of the largest customer markets in the region driven by a steady
economic growth and accompanied by a rising consumer demand and falling
inflation. The accession to the European Union in 2007 ensures a good
anchor for future consumption and investment growth, as well as progress
in the judiciary area and its banking system.

The specific advantages offered by the Romanian blossoming market
include:

-   A large domestic market of 22 million people (second in Central and
    South Eastern European), which opened up to another 450 million
    people after joining the EU in January 2007;

-   Strategic location at the cross-roads of traditional commercial and
    energy routes between the EU, Asia and CIS, which ensures easy
    access to the Balkans, the Middle East and Northern Africa

-   Extensive maritime and river navigation facilities, for the
    transport and distribution of goods.

-   Free trade zones and shipyard facilities;

-   17 regional and six international airports with one of the highest
    numbers of international passengers rates in South Eastern Europe;

-   72,859 km of road and 11,380 km of railway connected to the European
    networks

-   Nationwide electric network connected to the main European networks;

-   Nationwide fiber optic telecommunication network with large digital
    capacity integrated into the European optic cable system via
    satellite, as well as mobile telecom networks;

-   A highly developed industrial infrastructure, including oil and
    petrochemicals;

-   A relatively large and highly skilled labor force, with good
    knowledge of foreign languages and well trained in science and
    engineering (first in Europe and sixth in the world in terms of the
    number of certified IT specialists)

-   A wide range of natural resources, including fertile agricultural
    land (37 million acres of arable land), coal, oil and gas, and
    attractive tourist sites;

-   Diplomatic relations with 176 countries; member of the UN, NATO and
    numerous other international organizations;

-   Functioning Market Economy recognized by European Union (EU)
    (November 2003) and the U.S. (March 2003); and

-   EU membership starting with January 2007.

## Market Challenges [**Return to top**](#ch1) 

**Bulgaria**

The EU is Bulgaria\'s main export destination and a major source of
foreign direct investment. The Bulgaria accession to the EU enabled all
the goods to move between these two parties at zero tariff rates. This
can be an advantage to U.S. companies with production facilities in
Bulgaria exporting to the EU, but a disadvantage for U.S. based
exporters with European competitors. In some cases, Bulgaria's adoption
of the EU common external tariffs has closed the tariff gap created a
few years during pre-accession.

While the commercial climate is generally positive, there are factors
that inhibit U.S.-Bulgarian trade and investment. For example: low wages
limit consumer disposable income; the judicial system is inefficient and
sometimes corrupt, organized crime influences some sectors of the
economy; and though government bureaucracy is improving, it still
presents frustrating delays and unreasonable burdens for investors and
exporters. A predictable and fair regulatory environment, greater
transparency in decision-making, and the protection of intellectual
property rights (IPR) would also contribute to an improved business
climate.

**Romania**

The business sector in Romania still requires improvement in the
following areas:

-   Ending systemic corruption, especially high level corruption related
    to business practices which bleed the government of funding for
    public programs such as health care and accentuates the division
    between wealthy and middle class Romanians;

-   Eliminating cumbersome, non-transparent bureaucratic procedures and
    "red tape" that add to the delay of business startups and increase
    operational costs;

-   Abolishment of the so-called "silent approval" legislation, which
    allows approval of applications within a set deadline unless
    explicitly denied and instead begin consulting both foreign and
    domestic investors on proposed legislation that directly effects
    business or investment;

-   Bringing an end to frequent changes in economic legislations and
    uneven or delayed implementation of existing laws;

-   Removing discriminatory tariffs on non-EU imports;

-   Continuing tax reform and harmonization with the EU legislation,
    particularly in the areas of cost sharing agreements, tax
    deductibility and the VAT law.

-   Improving law enforcement, reduce judiciary overload and the
    government interference with court rulings and simplify the
    cumbersome court procedures that continue to be an obstacle for
    doing business

-   Showing a more effective enforcement of the Intellectual Property
    Rights

-   Further revising the labor code, to increase labor market
    flexibility and stimulate the creation of jobs.

## Market Opportunities [**Return to top**](#ch1)

**Bulgaria**

Market access for American companies continues to improve. Bulgarians
are eager to have greater access to American goods and services, and
there are excellent opportunities for those companies that can handle
the commercial risks associated with this expanding market. EU
membership will create additional opportunities as Structural and
Cohesion funds start to flow, and new regulations are enforced.

Good prospects for exports to Bulgaria (in alphabetical order) are
listed below. A more detailed analysis of these sectors can be found in
Chapter Four of this Guide:

-   Automotive Parts and Service Equipment

-   Aviation Equipment and Services

-   Building Products and Services

-   Franchising

-   Information and Communication Technology

-   Medical Equipment

-   Pollution Control Equipment

-   Power Equipment and Energy Efficiency

-   Safety, Security and Defense-related Equipment and Services

-   Tourism Infrastructure Services

Bulgaria is planning a number of major infrastructure projects including
bridges, highways, port development, airport modernization, energy
generation and distribution, and water and waste treatment facilities.

Financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) and the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is available at competitive rates.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) offers financing for
technical assistance, feasibility studies, orientation visits, and
training grants.

**Romania**

The strongest areas of opportunity for U.S. exports and investment
potential include information and telecommunication technology, energy,
construction, environmental technology, automotive after market sales,
defense, safety and security and franchising.

## Market Entry Strategy [**Return to top**](#ch1)

**Bulgaria**

Finding a good, reputable local representative is key to a market entry
strategy. Conducting due diligence before selecting a representative is
essential. Enlisting qualified local legal services for contract
negotiations is highly recommended. The U.S. Commercial Service located
in the U.S. Embassy in Sofia can assist with market research, contact
facilitation, and contact evaluation -- see
[www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria](http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria).

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) can assist with referrals to
service providers -- see [www.amcham.bg](http://www.amcham.bg/).

**Romania**

Investors are cautioned to exercise due diligence before engaging in
green field or brown field projects, and to undertake their own thorough
independent investigation. Engaging good local counsel with solid
knowledge of Romanian legislation is critical to success in the market.
Prospective investors should exercise due diligence on state aid
implications of potential deals with the GOR. Finding a local joint
venture partner, agent or distributor is definitely the key to success
in the Romanian market.

[Return to table of contents](#section)

[[]{#ch2 .anchor}Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment

# 

-   [Economic Environment](#economic-environment-return-to-top)

-   [Political Environment](#political-environment)

-   [Nature of Political Relationship with the United
    States](#nature-of-political-relationship-with-the-united-states-return-to-top)

-   [Major Political Issues Affecting the Business
    Climate](#major-political-issues-affecting-the-business-climate-return-to-top)

-   [Political System, Schedule for Elections, and Orientation of Major
    Political
    Parties](#political-system-schedule-for-elections-and-orientation-of-major-political-parties-return-to-top)

## Economic Environment [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_2:_Political)

**Bulgaria**

A Currency Board and responsible fiscal policies have maintained
macro-economic stability, but Bulgaria's per capita income seriously
lags behind its Western European neighbors. Since taking power in August
2005, the center-left coalition, led by the Bulgarian Socialist Party
(BSP), has maintained its predecessor\'s focus on macroeconomic
stability. The conservative fiscal policies of the government of Prime
Minister Sergey Stanishev resulted in an expected budget surplus of 3.5
percent in 2006. The 2007 budget, Bulgaria\'s first as a full EU member,
is again geared to provide fiscal stability while introducing some
pro-growth measures, including a cut to 10 percent in the corporate tax
rate, tax relief for low-income citizens and increases in public wages
and pensions. The government's chief economic policy priorities now are
to maintain fiscal discipline, attract higher inflows of foreign
green-field investments and prepare the country to meet EU convergence
criteria to pave the way for early Euro zone entry.

Thanks to rising domestic consumption and investment, real GDP grew by
5.5 percent in 2005 increasing from an average of 4.8 percent in
2001-04. With real GDP expected to hit a record of greater than 6.0
percent growth in 2006, Bulgaria remains one of the fastest developing
economies in Europe.

Official statistics underreport economic activity, with an unofficial
market possibly representing an additional 20 to 30 percent of the
official GDP. Compliance with EU market standards and lower taxes will
help reduce this illegal share. Registered unemployment continued its
downward trend to 9.12 percent (337,796 unemployed) in December 2006 due
to the steady growth of the private sector. Despite the encouragingly
low level, the unemployment rate continues to vary widely throughout the
country. With EU integration promising to provide new employment
opportunities for Bulgarians, local workers have to acquire new skills
and become more adaptive to changing labor market conditions.

The three-year IMF stand-by agreement, which expires in March 2007, was
an important tool in crafting the Government\'s economic program for
2004-06 in the run-up to EU membership. The IMF has been instrumental in
pushing the government to sustain macroeconomic stabilization and
structural reforms. Despite pressure on the budget from EU membership
and calls for increased social spending, the IMF convinced the
government to pursue a budget surplus of at least 2 percent of GDP in
2007. The influence of the IMF will considerably diminish after it exits
in 2007, while the influence of EU monetary authorities will increase.

The IMF's push for more radical fiscal tightening in 2006 and 2007 is
part of a twofold strategy to steer Bulgaria away from its looming
external vulnerabilities: an excessively high current account (CA)
deficit and increasing gross external debt ratio (76.5 percent of GDP at
end-October 2006). High oil prices and strong credit growth have
exacerbated the trade account deficit and contributed to a sharp
increase in Bulgaria\'s current account deficit during the first ten
months of 2006 \-- to 2.7 billion euro or 11 percent of GDP, as compared
to 1.6 billion euro or 7.3 percent of GDP in the first ten months last
year. As a result, the full-year deficit is expected to be about 14
percent or 2.9 billion euro. While the influx of Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) presently covers the CA gap in full, macro-financial
and structural reforms should be sustained to ensure more green-field
investments and higher household savings.

Continued fiscal discipline and measures to encourage slower credit
growth will be needed to limit future current account deficits. The
restrictive measures introduced by the central bank, with the support of
the IMF, in 2005 have been successful in moderating credit growth. The
growth rate in non-government sector credit slowed to 32.3 percent in
2005 from an average 47 percent in 2002-2004. With credit growth at 22
percent in November 2006, the central bank is close to attaining its
2006 target of 20 percent. Domestic banks have increasingly developed
means to circumvent the administrative credit measures, such as setting
up non-bank financial institutions called \"leasing companies\". As a
result, the central authorities decided to suspend all restrictive
measures on credit growth as of January 1, 2007.

While inflationary pressures from the higher excise taxes instituted to
match EU minimum levels will persist, inflation in 2007 is expected to
slow down from 6.5 percent in 2006 and stabilize around the officially
projected 4.4 percent. Other key economic issues that the Government
needs to address include structural reforms in subsidized sectors
(notably health, education, energy, and railroads), and allocation of
larger sums to public investment to meet EU infrastructure standards,
such as in transportation, environmental protection, and water
treatment.

**Romania**

Romania is a country with considerable potential: rich agricultural
land; diverse energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and
nuclear); a substantial, if aging, industrial base encompassing almost
the full range of manufacturing activities; an educated, well-trained
work force; and opportunities for expanded development in tourism on the
Black Sea and in the mountains.

The Romanian Government borrowed heavily from the West in the 1970s to
build a substantial state-owned industrial base. Following the 1979 oil
price shock and a debt rescheduling in 1981, Ceausescu decreed that
Romania would no longer be subject to foreign creditors. By the end of
1989, Romania had paid off a foreign debt of about \$10.5 billion
through an unprecedented effort that wreaked havoc on the economy and
living standards. Vital imports were slashed and food and fuel strictly
rationed, while the government exported everything it could to earn hard
currency. With investment slashed, Romania's infrastructure fell behind
that of even its historically poorer Balkan neighbors.

Since the fall of the Ceausescu regime in 1989, successive governments
sought to build a Western-style market economy. The pace of
restructuring was slow, but by 1994 the legal basis for a market economy
was largely in place. After the 1996 elections, the coalition government
attempted to eliminate consumer subsidies, float prices, liberalize
exchange rates, and put in place a tight monetary policy. The Parliament
enacted laws permitting foreign entities incorporated in Romania to
purchase land. Foreign capital investment in Romania has been
increasing, but remains significantly less in per capita terms than in
most other transition economy countries in East and Central Europe.

Romania was the largest U.S. trading partner in Eastern Europe until
Ceausescu\'s 1988 renunciation of Most Favored Nation (MFN or
non-discriminatory) trading status resulted in high U.S. tariffs on
Romanian products. Congress approved restoration of MFN status effective
November 8, 1993, as part of a new Bilateral Trade Agreement. Tariffs on
most Romanian products dropped to zero in February 1994, with the
inclusion of Romania in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Major Romanian exports to the U.S. include shoes, clothing, steel, and
chemicals. Romania signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 1992
and a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association
(EFTA) in 1993, codifying Romania\'s access to European markets and
creating the basic framework for further economic integration.

At its Helsinki Summit in December 1999, the European Union (EU) invited
Romania to formally begin accession negotiations. In December 2004, the
EU Commission concluded pre-accession negotiations with Romania. In
April 2005, the EU signed an accession treaty with Romania and its
neighbor, Bulgaria, with the goal of welcoming them as new members in
January 2007. As of July 31, 2006, 21 of the 25 EU member states have
ratified Romania and Bulgaria\'s accession treaty. The EU warned that
Romania's accession by 2007 is not guaranteed; the EU has imposed a
\"super safeguard clause,\" enabling it to postpone Romania's accession
to 2008, should Romania be unable to make substantial progress on
corruption, competition, and judiciary issues. Despite the safeguard
clause, most analysts believe Romania will join the EU in 2007.

Privatization of industry was first pursued with the transfer in 1992 of
30% of the shares of some 6,000 state-owned enterprises to five private
ownership funds, in which each adult citizen received certificates of
ownership. The remaining 70% ownership of the enterprises was
transferred to a state ownership fund. With the assistance of the World
Bank, European Union (EU), and IMF, Romania succeeded in privatizing
most industrial state-owned enterprises, including some large
state-owned energy companies. Romania will complete privatization of the
banking sector in 2006 with the transfer of the Romanian Commercial Bank
(BCR) and the Romanian Savings Bank (CEC) to foreign ownership. The
country made substantial progress in the energy sector in 2005,
completing or launching numerous privatization projects, including
privatization of two additional regional electricity distributors. Four
of the countries eight regional electricity distributors have now been
privatized, and the government is continuing the process. Privatization
of natural gas distribution companies also progressed with the sale of
Romania\'s two regional gas distributors, Distrigaz Nord (to E.ON
Ruhrgas of Germany) and Distrigaz Sud (to Gaz de France). Further
Progress in energy sector privatization, however, has been delayed as
the government reconsiders its strategy on the Rovinari, Turceni and
Craiova energy complexes.

The return of collectivized farmland to its cultivators, one of the
first initiatives of the post-December 1989 revolution government,
resulted in a short-term decrease in agricultural production. Some four
million small parcels representing 80% of the arable surface were
returned to original owners or their heirs. Many of the recipients were
elderly or city dwellers, and the slow progress of granting formal land
titles is an obstacle to leasing or selling land to active farmers.

Financial and technical assistance continue to flow from the U.S.,
European Union, other industrial nations, and international financial
institutions facilitating Romania\'s reintegration into the world
economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (IBRD), the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) all have programs and
resident representatives in Romania. As of April 2006, Romania had
attracted \$17.1 billion in foreign direct investment. Of this total, US
direct investment accounted for \$835.3 million (4.9%), ranking sixth
among country investors.

After years of IMF-guided economic reforms, Romania\' stand-by agreement
with the IMF expired on July 7. Romania\'s inflation rate has steadily
decreased, while growth rates have been between four and eight percent
since 2001. However, the IMF has been critical of Romania\'s 2005
adoption of a 16% flat tax, pointing to the country\'s low rate of tax
collection as a medium to long-term impediment to growth. The IMF has
also criticized Romania\'s public sector wage policy as inflationary.
Public sector wages have increased 50% since autumn 2004. Analysts have
warned that increasing macroeconomic imbalances, such as the growing
current account deficit (now at 9.1% of GDP), deteriorating education
and health services, and outdated and limited physical infrastructure
may harm future growth

Romania\'s budget deficits also dropped under IMF guidance, though the
trend is reversing. While deficits decreased from 4% of GDP in 1999 to
only 0.8% in 2005, Romania plans a 2.5% budget deficit in 2006. However,
first half 2006 consolidated budget posted a temporary 1.1% of GDP
surplus. Deficits are expected to increase as Romania strives to absorb
Structural Fund Assistance from the EU. The country made progress in
combating domestic tax arrears and expanding the tax base in 2005,
though Romania has one of the lowest collection rates in Europe, at
29.9% of GDP.

Unemployment was officially 5.1% in July 2006, although these figures do
not capture high levels of under-employment or temporary emigration.

In the 1990s, inflation was one of Romania's most serious economic
problems. Retail price inflation averaged 12.1% monthly in 1993 (the
equivalent of 256% annually). Inflation rates gradually declined through
the 1990s, reaching single digits in 2004. Inflation in 2005 stood at
8.6%. Six-month 2006 inflation rate dropped to 2.65%. The Central Bank
has set a target of 6% in 2006, though many experts believe this will be
difficult to achieve in the face of rising energy costs.

## Political Environment 

### Nature of Political Relationship with the United States [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_2:_Political) 

**Bulgaria**

U.S.-Bulgarian bilateral relations are excellent and continue to improve
steadily. The U.S. Government strongly supports political stability, the
growth of democracy, and the development of a market economy and
economic prosperity in Bulgaria. The U.S. Senate ratified Bulgaria's
accession to NATO in May 2003, and Bulgaria became a member of the
Alliance in April 2004. U.S. forces have participated in several
exercises in Bulgaria. The Department of Defense has a number of
military liaison programs with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense to help
modernize Bulgarian armed forces, purchase appropriate equipment, and
prepare for interoperability with NATO forces. Bulgaria is a leader in
the multilateral peacekeeping force for Southeastern Europe (SEEBRIG)
and is contributing troops to both Iraq and Afghanistan. In April 2006
the United States and Bulgaria signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement
that authorizes U.S. armed forces to train at a number of shared
military facilities in Bulgaria.

**Romania**

Cold during the early post-war period, U.S. bilateral relations with
Romania began to improve in the early 1960s with the signing of an
agreement providing for partial settlement of American property claims.
Cultural, scientific, and educational exchanges were initiated, and in
1964 the legations of both nations were promoted to full embassies.

Responding to Ceausescu\'s calculated distancing of Romania from Soviet
foreign policy, particularly Romania\'s continued diplomatic relations
with Israel and denunciation of the 1968 Soviet intervention in
Czechoslovakia, President Nixon paid an official visit to Romania in
August 1969. Despite political differences, high-level contacts
continued between U.S. and Romanian leaders throughout the decade of the
1970s, culminating in the 1978 state visit to Washington by President
and Mrs. Ceausescu.

In 1972, a consular convention to facilitate protection of citizens and
their property in both countries was signed. Overseas Private Investment
Corporation (OPIC) facilities were granted, and Romania became eligible
for U.S. Export-Import Bank credits.

A trade agreement signed in April 1975 accorded Most Favored Nation
(MFN) status to Romania under section 402 of the Trade Reform Act of
1974 (the Jackson-Vanik amendment that links MFN to a country\'s
performance on emigration). This status was renewed yearly after
Congressional review of a presidential determination that Romania was
making progress toward freedom of emigration.

In the mid-1980s, criticism of Romania\'s deteriorating human rights
record, particularly regarding mistreatment of religious and ethnic
minorities, spurred attempts by Congress to withdraw MFN status. In
1988, to preempt Congressional action, Ceausescu renounced MFN
treatment, calling Jackson-Vanik and other human rights requirements
unacceptable interference in Romanian sovereignty.

After welcoming the revolution of December 1989 with a visit by
Secretary of State Baker in February 1990, the U.S. Government expressed
concern that opposition parties had faced discriminatory treatment in
the May 1990 elections, when the National Salvation Front won a sweeping
victory. The slow progress of subsequent political and economic reform
increased that concern, and relations with Romania cooled sharply after
the June 1990 intervention of the miners in University Square. Anxious
to cultivate better relations with the U.S. and Europe, and disappointed
at the poor results from its gradualist economic reform strategy, the
Stolojan government undertook some economic reforms and conducted free
and fair parliamentary and presidential elections in September 1992.
Encouraged by the conduct of local elections in February 1992, Deputy
Secretary of State Eagleburger paid a visit in May 1992. Congress
restored MFN in November 1993 in recognition of Romania\'s progress in
instituting political and economic reform. In 1996, the U.S. Congress
voted to extend permanent MFN graduation to Romania.

As Romania\'s policies became unequivocally pro-Western, the United
States moved to deepen relations. President Clinton visited Bucharest in
1997. The two countries initiated cooperation on shared goals, including
economic and political development, defense reform, and non-traditional
threats (such as trans-border crime and non-proliferation).

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Romania has been
fully supportive of the U.S. in the Global War on Terror. Romania was
invited to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in
November 2002 and formally joined NATO on March 29, 2004 after
depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC.
President Bush helped commemorate Romania's NATO accession when he
visited Bucharest in November 2002. On that occasion he congratulated
the Romanian people on building democratic institutions and a market
economy following the fall of communism.

In March 2005, President Traian Basescu made his first official visit
Washington to meet with President Bush, Secretary of State Rice,
Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, and other senior U.S. officials. In
December 2005, Secretary Rice visited Bucharest to meet with President
Basescu and to sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement that will
allow for the joint use of Romanian military facilities by U.S. troops.

### Major Political Issues Affecting the Business Climate [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_2:_Political)

**Bulgaria**

Organized crime and corruption are a concern of both the government and
the ordinary citizen, and are significant domestic issues. Many
organized crime killings have gone unsolved in the past years and
judicial corruption is reputedly widespread. Government procurement and
privatization procedures remain susceptible to corruption. Violent crime
against persons is very low although property crime - car theft,
pick-pocketing and burglary - remains widespread.

All major political parties support membership in Western institutions,
including NATO and the European Union (EU). Bulgaria officially joined
the EU on January 1^st^, 2007. EU accession has been the number one
priority of the coalition government of Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev
since assuming power in August 2005. Even with its new membership,
Bulgaria must demonstrate greater progress in areas such as fighting
organized crime and corruption to avoid the possible imposition of
"safeguard" clauses or the loss of EU aid----two conditions Brussels has
set on Bulgarian membership.

**Romania**

There have been no incidents in Romania involving politically motivated
damage to foreign investments (projects and/or installations). Major
civil disturbances are not expected to occur in Romania in the near
future. Romania had the lowest ranking of any EU member state in
Transparency International\'s 2006 corruption index. U.S. firms have
complained of government and business corruption in Romania. The customs
service, municipal zoning offices, local financial authorities, and
other bodies are influenced to some degree by corruption. In some cases,
demands for payoffs by mid- to low-level officials reach the point of
harassment.

Romanian law and regulations contain provisions intended to prevent
corruption, but enforcement is generally weak. Corruption is currently
punishable under a variety of statutes in the penal code. Prison
sentences are sometimes imposed, but powerful and influential
individuals have often evaded prosecution. Under pressure from the
European Union, the Government of Romania has stepped up its efforts to
combat corruption, and is currently prosecuting several high-level
political officials from the current and previous governments, including
a past Prime Minister.

The government announced a National Anti-Corruption Plan in spring 2003
and passed an anti-corruption law in April 2003. The plan contains an
impressive list of measures and commitments that constitute key
benchmarks for judging the government's commitment to combat corruption.
The implementation of these measures and commitments has lagged.

A new criminal code came into effect in 2003. A money laundering law was
passed in February 1999. With U.S. help, the Romanian government
established in September 2002 a new institution -- the National
Anti-Corruption Prosecutors' Office (PNA), staffed by prosecutors and
police to combat corruption.

Romania is a member country of the Southeast European Cooperation
Initiative (SECI), and it has signed and ratified the Agreement on
Cooperation to Prevent and Combat Trans-border Crime of May 1999.
Bucharest hosts the SECI Regional Center for Combating Corruption and
Organized Crime, and Romania is one of the three members of the Joint
Cooperation Committee.

To reduce corrupt practices in public procurement, in March 2002 a
web-based e-procurement system was inaugurated, which can be accessed at
<http://www.e-licitatie.ro/>. The system is a transparent listing of
ongoing auctions and closed auctions, with the name of the winners and
the closing prices made available to the public. The use of e-licitatie
has increased government efficiency, reduced government vulnerability to
corruption, and improved fiscal responsibility in government
procurement. E-procurement increased from 159 government clients and 600
suppliers in its initial months matching the procurements of 708 state
entities with offers from 9,000 bidders. With a turnover of EUR 300
million in 2003, the system resulted in an average 22% savings rate,
saving the budget EUR 100 million in two years. Initially used solely
for basic standard products, the program has grown to be applied for
complex projects (e.g. state-financed sports halls for public schools).
The system does not take the human element completely out of the
decision-making process, as the bids for complex supplies and projects
are still reviewed by appraisal committees. Pre-qualification criteria
for prospective bidders and contract follow up by the end-user also
leave room for corruption.

In June 2006, the government passed new public procurement legislation
establishing ex-ante controls on public procurement processes, new and
stricter rules on eligible participants, and an appeals mechanism for
complaints against the process. The legislation went into effect in June
2006 with the establishment of the National Agency for Public
Procurement, though the legislation was under Parliamentary review at
the time of writing.

###### Court System

The Romanian judicial system suffers from corruption, inefficiencies,
lack of competence and excessive workloads. Divergent and often
contradictory rulings have alienated both investors and ordinary
citizens and discredited the Romanian judicial system. Companies
routinely complain that commercial disputes take too long to resolve
through the court system and once a verdict is reached, court orders are
not enforced. Errors in court procedures, whether peripheral to the
outcome or not, may result in complete retrials, further delaying
verdicts. Clerks, attorneys and judges reportedly remain susceptible to
bribes or other \"extra-judicial\" payments, most commonly to \"speed
up\" litigation or to assure a particular judge is assigned to the case.
Courts are overburdened and the number of magistrates and judges too
small. Litigants in virtually all cases have a right to two appeals,
contributing to clogs in court dockets throughout the system and lengthy
delays. Final judgments are not binding until all appeals are exhausted.

[Cyber Crime]{.underline}

Romania has one of the world's highest occurrences of Internet credit
card fraud. The problem, which surfaced notably in the fall of 1998, has
escalated to a steady stream of complaints, some of which involve U.S.
companies being defrauded of millions of dollars. The most common
problems result from the use of stolen credit card numbers for the
purchase of goods on-line. An e-commerce law that defines and punishes
cyber crime came into force in July 2002.

Romanian hackers also have gained notoriety for hacking into U.S.
companies' servers and stealing proprietary information, including
customer credit card data. There have been cases where Romanian hackers
have offered to sell the U.S. company the means by which they hacked the
company's server. On other occasions, the hackers have threatened to
release the sensitive data or the means to hack the system unless a
specific amount of money is paid. Several recent investigations into and
arrests of cyber crime by Romanian authorities may serve as a deterrent
to new hackers. In 2005, Romanian authorities investigated 579 criminal
offenses, out of which 237 were Internet frauds, 114 were cyber-crime
criminal offenses and 103 were credit card criminal offenses. 345
individuals were charged in 2005, of whom 46 were arrested.

### Political System, Schedule for Elections, and Orientation of Major Political Parties [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_2:_Political)

**Bulgaria**

Following the removal of long time communist leader Todor Zhivkov in
1989, Bulgaria has been a parliamentary republic ruled by a
democratically elected government. A new constitution was enacted in
1991, which lays out the basic rights and obligations of citizens and is
the basis for Bulgaria's legal system. The constitution guarantees
freedom of association including the right to form political parties.

The constitution provides for the separation of powers amongst the
executive, judicial and legislative branches and a system of checks and
balances. The President is the head of state. The presidency is
empowered to conclude international treaties and to schedule
parliamentary (i.e., National Assembly) elections. The President is also
the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The National Assembly is a
unicameral legislative body that consists of 240 members who are elected
for a term of four years.

Georgi Parvanov, former head of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP),
began his second five-year term as President in January 2007 after
winning a landslide victory against an extreme nationalist candidate in
the October 2006 run-off elections. The next Presidential elections are
expected in November 2012.

The June 25, 2005 general elections gave the Bulgarian Socialist Party
(BSP) 34 percent of the vote, which translated into 82 seats in the
240-seat parliament. That forced the BSP to seek support in forming a
government from the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms
(MRF) and the National Movement for Simeon II (NMSS). While the
government formation was painful and protracted, the three-party
coalition government led by BSP has staunchly focused on preparing the
country for EU membership. This coalition enjoys the largest
parliamentary majority in Bulgaria's post-communist history, with a
total of 169 MPs in the 240-seat parliament.

The extreme nationalist political group Ataka (Attack) won 8.7 percent
of the vote in June's general election and became the fourth largest
political party in the new parliament. Ataka's platform is heavily
xenophobic advocating the ban of ethnic parties, as well as Turkish
radio and television broadcasts. Much of Ataka's support represents a
protest vote and the public's disillusionment with the country's
traditional political parties.

For background information on the political and economic environment of
the country, please click on <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3236.htm>
to U.S. Department of State Background Notes.

**Romania**

November 2004 elections left the Romanian parliament closely divided
between the center-right PNL-PD alliance and the PSD, which each hold
between 30-40% of the seats in each chamber. The PNL-PD, however, forged
a parliamentary majority with the support of the UDMR, PC and (in the
lower house) the ethnic minority party representatives. The extreme
nationalist PRM won fewer seats than in the 2000 elections, but remained
a significant political player. Although the PNL and PD vote as a bloc
in the parliament and ran candidates on a common list in the 2004
parliamentary elections, the two parties remain separate. On several
occasions in 2005, President Traian Basescu publicly expressed support
for snap parliamentary elections. Other elected leaders, both from the
governing and opposition parties, expressed opposition to new elections,
noting that they are difficult to achieve under the constitution and
could detract from government efforts to implement reforms necessary for
EU accession.

Political parties represent a broad range of views and interests, and
elected officials and other public figures freely express their views.
Civil society watchdog groups remain relatively small but have grown in
influence. The press is free and outspoken, although there have been
incidents of politically motivated intimidation and even violence
against journalists and media management, particularly prior to 2004
national elections. Independent radio networks have proliferated, and
several private television networks now operate nationwide. In addition,
a large number of local private television networks have emerged.

Through support of or participation in consecutive government
coalitions, the UDMR has ensured continuing influence of the ethnic
Hungarian minority in national government. In addition, consecutive
governments have sought to improve the socio-economic situation of the
Roma minority, which continues to suffer from severe poverty in many
areas and discrimination. Although according to government statistics
Roma officially represent 2.5% of the population, Romani organizations
claim the percentage is actually several percentage points higher.

The restitution of private and religious property seized under communism
or during World War II continues to move slowly. Particularly
problematic is the return of Greek-Catholic churches, which were given
to the Romanian Orthodox Church by the communist regime. The Romanian
Orthodox Church thus far has turned over very few of these churches,
many of which had belonged to the Greek Catholic community for hundreds
of years. Romania has repealed communist-era legislation criminalizing
homosexual acts and banned xenophobic and racist groups and their
activities. Romanian law does not prohibit women's participation in
government or politics, but societal attitudes remain a significant
barrier. Women hold some high positions in government and roughly 10% of
the seats in each chamber in the Parliament.

For background information on the political and economic environment of
the country, please click on the link below to the U.S. Department of
State Background Notes. <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35722.htm>

[Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 3: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment

-   [Automotive Parts and Service
    Equipment](#automotive-parts-and-service-equipment-return-to-top)

-   [Building Products](#building-products-return-to-top)

-   [Information and communication
    technologies](#information-and-communication-technologies-return-to-top)

-   [Power Equipment and Energy Efficiency](#leadingsector6)

-   [Pollution Control](#pollution-control-return-to-top)

-   [Franchising](#franchising-return-to-top)

-   [Safety and security/ Defense](#_Safety_and_Security/)

## Automotive Parts and Service Equipment [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

The automotive market in Bulgaria is characterized with steady growth of
new car imports and sales, and decreasing imports of used cars. In 2006
new car sales grew 30% while trucks and buses grew 62.6%.

Despite the upward trend in new car sales, automobiles in Bulgaria tend
to be very old with the continued import of used cars at a rate of about
150.000 cars per year. Almost 20% of the cars registered in Bulgaria are
older than 20 years. Since 2000 Bulgarian families prefer to buy cars
not older than 10 years. Now almost 70% of Bulgarian families own a car
and almost 80% of the firms with business activities have motor pools
consisting of cars, vans, minibuses, jeeps and light trucks.

The automotive and especially the accident repair business is one of the
fastest growing in Bulgaria. The growth in numbers of European cars will
lead to a need for more sophisticated service and car body repair
equipment, both mechanical and electronic, paint products and
application methods at an affordable price. The official distributors of
all new car models maintain warranty service and repair stations within
their company structures. The new, sophisticated electronic car
equipment requires special analyzers, testers and experts.

Best sales prospects include consumables, car body parts, accessories
such as wheel covers, car/truck bed covers, car batteries, exterior
accessory lights, auto safety and security products such as alarms,
steering wheel locks, battery chargers, quick repair kits, tools,
paints, auto cosmetics, and service equipment for electronic diagnosis,
monitoring, testing and analyzing, wheel balancing, tire changing, and
oil changing (especially for the younger generation of cars).

###### Romania

An increasing number of foreign companies have decided to manufacture
auto parts for Romanian cars. This reflects the latest trend in the
automotive industry whose growth has shifted from mature markets to
emerging markets. OEMs and suppliers tend to move production to Eastern
Europe. The rationale behind this decision is multi-fold: attractive
cost of the labor force, a highly qualified and English speaking
workforce, and flexible work schedules. Also, the privatization of the
local companies streamlined the activities and led to the modernization
of those with a competitive edge and the conversion to new companies for
the unprofitable ones.

Under these conditions, the industrial output increased by 36% over the
period 2001-2006 against 2000, which represented an annual average rate
of increase of 6%. If in 1991 there were only 39 production units, the
number increased to 376 in 2002 (eight fold increase) to get to 518 at
the level of 2006 (thirteen fold increase). The turnover in RON billion
tippled over a four-year span (2002-2006), from 4.11 to 12.65. This
increase also reflects a better efficiency of the sector based on modern
automated technologies.

The auto parts industry has a favorable perspective due to the growth of
the domestic and external markets. The investments made by the
multinational companies, as integrators of products, have fostered
increased competition at the national level, stimulating improved
quantities and quality of production allowing the overall Romanian
automobile sector to become more competitive in the world market. A new
ascending tendency, towards for the creation of clusters of companies
has been reported as well as and the addition of new Romanian companies
to the networks of suppliers for multinationals.

As Romania joined the EU, the Romanian market is expected to face a boom
in second hand car imports, as the restriction on imports of used cars
under Euro3 pollution norms, will be lifted. This could result in the
increase of auto parts production. To regulate the second hand vehicle
market the Ministry of Finance Fiscal Code for 2007, stipulates a
specific "first registration tax" which takes into account the age of
the car, and the pollution level.

**For more information and market entry strategies contact:**

Uliana Kanelli, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5706

Email: <uliana.kanelli@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Corina Gheorghisor, Commercial Assistant

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3397

Email:
[Corina.Gheorghisor@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Union of Car Importers in Bulgaria (UCIB) --
[www.svab.bg](http://www.svab.bg/)

Bulgarian Customs -- [www.customs.bg](http://www.customs.bg/)

Expoteam (organizer of the largest automotive market and aftermarket
show in Sofia) -- [www.expoteam.org](http://www.expoteam.org/)

Bulgarreklama (organizer of the International Plovdiv Fair) --
[www.bulgarreklama.bg](http://www.bulgarreklama.bg/) and
[www.fair.bg](http://www.fair.bg/)

###### Romania

Romanian Car Manufacturers Association -- ACAROM:
[www.acarom.ro](http://www.acarom.ro/)

Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association:
[www.apia.ro](http://www.apia.ro/)

## Building Products [ **Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### [Bulgaria](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

The last four years before the Bulgarian joined the EU were high times
for the construction industry, with solid GDP growth and a skyrocketing
number of building permits issued. The real estate market is equally
buoyant, propelled by a flood of foreign investors. The office and
retail segments remain equally strong, and a number of major projects
are in the works. Bulgaria's housing market is experiencing notable
rapid growth. The Bulgarian market for building materials is growing at
more than 20% per year.

Most building materials are imported or manufactured in Bulgaria by
European brand names firms, such as glass, cement, paint and varnishes.
As most modern building materials are imported, Bulgaria offers many
opportunities to promote high-tech American building materials based on
advanced U.S. technology. U.S. value-added building products have very
good market prospects. In addition, the Bulgarian remodeling market may
grow significantly over the long term.

The tourism sector also fuels market demands as Bulgaria invests in
Black Sea summer resorts and mountain ski resorts.

###### Romania

The Romanian construction market has grown by approximately 16 per cent
in the last year and is bound to go up at a similar rate over the next
ten years. The Romanian works market is focused on important
infrastructure projects (highways, roads, bridges, railways) related
mainly to the European corridors IV and IX. As a result of the European
and budget-funded projects, Romania will need approximately 2,000 km of
motorways, but will not be able to build that in such a short time
unless partnerships are established. In terms of specifics regarding
building materials: The overall market size (bill EURO) for 2004=3.12,
2005=4.0, and 2006=4.85. In terms of projections for 2006, there will be
an increase in building material prices (end November) with 20%( copper
cables 46%, reinforcement steel 25%, steel sheets 10%, wire mesh 29%,
gravel and sand 11%, paint and varnish 14%,double glazing 5%) In terms
of volume, based on infrastructure and industrial building works, the
market for building materials growth stands as follows: gravel and sand
73%; metallic structures 244%; wire mesh 27% ; cement 20 % ( 7mil tons
at total value 450 M EURO). Meanwhile, cement producers forecast an
increase in cement production by 15-20% in 2007. The commercial deficit
(exports CIF to imports FOB) posted for building materials at the end of
November 2006 was valued at 500 M EURO.

An important development is expected for residential and industrial
buildings. Romania has 374 houses (dwellings) per 1,000 inhabitants
compared with 468 houses per 1,000 inhabitants in EU. In terms of
livable area per capita (14.2 square meters), Romania is far from the EU
average. Around 4,500 housing units are expected to be developed in
Bucharest during the upcoming years. Most will be located in the center
and south of Bucharest.

In 2006 the value of the domestic construction market was about \$6.2
billion. The volume of construction works in the first half of 2006
increased with 8.6 percent compared to the same period of 2005. By the
end of the year, it is expected to reach 5.2 billion euros. The growth
of the market is impressive especially in value terms, rather than
volume, because of the rising prices for all construction materials.
Foreign investors focus mainly on the construction of new office
buildings, hotels, shopping areas, and hypermarkets, which has been
impressive countrywide. Competition from such investors is increasing
also in the residential construction area. The fastest growing segment
was residential construction, 40 percent up than the year before.
However, given its low share in the construction market (only 12
percent), houses\' construction has a limited influence on the overall
dynamics of this market.

Overall, the sector remains one of the most dynamic in the Romanian
economy.

**For more information on market entry strategies contact:**

Emily Taneva, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5770

Email: <emily.taneva@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Doina Brancusi, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3397

Email: [Doina.Barncusi@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

Ministry of Regional Development, Directorate for National Construction
Supervision [www.mrrb.government.bg](http://www.mrrb.government.bg/)

Chamber of the Architects in Bulgaria -
[www.geocities.com/arch_art/kabinx.html](http://www.geocities.com/arch_art/kabinx.html)

Bulgarian Building and Construction Chamber -
[www.bbcc-bg.org](http://www.bbcc-bg.org/)

Information data base in the area of the furniture and interior -
[www.mebeli.info](http://www.mebeli.info/)

## Information and Communication Technologies [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

[Bulgaria]{.underline}

As Bulgarian companies need to increase their competitiveness in the EU,
and the Bulgarian government need to comply with EU directives and
legislation on various aspects of the digital economy, new and expanded
opportunities exist in the ICT sector.

International software companies find Bulgaria attractive because of the
0% export tax, low salaries and local workforce skill. Both fixed and
mobile segments of the Bulgarian ICT market still have high growth
potential with large investments expected in both segments. A number of
foreign companies are opening call/service centers in Bulgaria. There
are opportunities for participation in tenders for sale of computers,
peripherals and servers for government procurement. The government of
Bulgaria has an e-government initiative that will provide major
opportunities. The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior has plans to implement
new e-passport/identity card system.

U.S. providers of advanced telephone service solutions, as well as
value-added telecommunications services are in demand. Other best
prospects include Internet services, wireless and broadband Internet
access technologies, cable television, and voice-over-Internet, routers,
switches, access servers, equipment for mobile telephony, cable
operators' equipment and fixed wireless equipment.

###### 

###### Romania

The Romanian packaged software market reached a value of USD 146
millions in 2005, representing an annual increase of 27% from the
previous year and is expected to grow to USD 165 millions in 2006.
Software comprised 12% of overall IT expenditure, a low proportion when
compared with other Central-Est European countries and with EU-15
countries. However, the Romanian software market is undergoing continued
rapid expansion with 20% annual growth over the next two years, driven
by general economic growth, NATO accession, recent large privatization
deals, the potential adherence of Romanian banks to the Basel II
Agreement by the end of 2006, and Romania's accession to the EU in 2007.

Imports cover 70% of the local software market and about 3/4 of all
foreign software products in Romania are American. The 10.000 local
software companies are mainly providing IT services for local and
international markets, but are increasingly involved in packaged
software development (especially in ERP/EAS, antivirus, e-health and
e-learning areas). The local antivirus software vendor GeCAD sold in
2003 his proprietary technology to Microsoft in a USD 20 millions
transaction. Another Romanian security software producer, Softwin, is
expanding globally, gaining top positions in several western European
antivirus retail markets.

Spending on content and document management solutions is largely
confined to the government and financial services sectors. The
relatively immature security software market (dominated by Anti-Virus,
and firewall/ VPN software) is changing with significant growth in the
3As (Authentication, Authorization, Administration) application sector.
The market for applications related to technology management is still in
an early stage of development.

Higher spending on software applications is expected in 2006-2007,
driven by companies\' efforts to improve business process efficiency and
to compete in the EU marketplace. Another growth-generating factor will
continue to be the government-supported implementation of such large IT
projects as the development of information systems for public
administration at both local and national levels and the expansion of
e-government and e-commerce.

Functional markets providing best opportunities in the next period
include EAS, CRM, SCM, security, content management and e-learning.
Verticals like utilities, government, retail, manufacturing and
telecommunications will continue to grow significantly.

The telecommunications market increased from \$2.734 million in 2004, to
\$3.378 million in 2005 despite declining tariffs for international
telephony, mobile services and Internet access, indicating a substantial
increase in consumption. The mobile telephony sector accounts for around
62% of the total market (up from 57% in 2004), fixed telephony accounts
for about 34%, while Internet and data transmission services have
reached 4.8%. The main mobile telephony operators are Orange and
Vodafone, and the main fixed telephony operator is Romtelecom. Although
faced with strong competition coming mostly from Western European
companies, US firms are well represented on the Romanian
telecommunications market, especially in wireless, cable, and mobile
communications, through Zapp, Astral and Atlas Telecom

Best prospects for US exports include wireless communications equipment,
cable communications equipment and services, 3G mobile communications
(especially CDMA) equipment and services, and Internet services, VoIP
included.

The current situation of the telecommunications market and its main
trends indicate that the sector's major procurement efforts during the
next years will be related to the following projects:

-   Launching of wired-telephony networks following market deregulation;

-   Building of four UMTS/3G networks;

-   Expansion of the CDMA 450Mhz network;

-   Expansion of the SDH network of the National Radio-communications
    Company (SNR);

-   Development of SNR's wireless point-multipoint network in the 26GHz
    band;

-   Modernization of SNR's long, medium, and short-wave transmitters
    network;

-   Upgrading of infrastructure for national TV channels;

-   Upgrading cable communications networks to allow the supply of
    broadband Internet, VoIP, and digital TV;

-   Modernization of the infrastructure used by major ISPs;

-   Expansion of pilot projects related to the development of
    e-government (e-procurement, e-tax, e-invoice, e-referendum, e-post,
    info-kiosk, etc.);

-   Implementation of IT projects in public administration and
    education.

State-of-the-art equipment for these projects will be mostly imported.

**For more information and market entry strategies contact:**

Stanislava Dimitrova, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5740

Email: <Stanislava.Dimitrova@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Doina Brancusi, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3397

Email: [Doina.Barncusi@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

**For information on telecom market contact:**

Monica Eremia, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3358

Email: [Monica.Eremia@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

[Bulgaria]{.underline}

[www.nsi.bg](http://www.nsi.bg/) - National Statistical Institute of
Bulgaria

[www.daits.government.bg](http://www.daits.government.bg/) - State
Agency on IT and Communications

[www.crc.bg](http://www.crc.bg/) - Communications Regulation Commission

[www.investbg.government.bg](http://www.investbg.government.bg/) -
Invest Bulgaria Agency

[www.basscom.org](http://www.basscom.org/) - BASSCOM

[www.bait.bg](http://www.bait.bg/) - Bulgarian Association of
Information Technology

[www.nsi.bg](http://www.nsi.bg/) - National Statistical Institute

###### Romania

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology:
[http://www.mcti.ro](http://www.mcti.ro/)

Microsoft Romania: <http://www.microsoft.com/romania>

Softwin: [http://www.softwin.ro](http://www.softwin.ro/)

Oracle Romania: <http://www.oracle.com/global/ro>

IBM Romania: <http://www.ibm.com/ro>

SAP Romania: <http://www.sap.com/romania>

Siveco: [http://www.siveco.ro](http://www.siveco.ro/)

Ministry of Information Technology and Communications:
[http://www.mcti.ro](http://www.mcti.ro/)

National Regulatory Authority for Communications and Information
Technology: <http://www.anrc.ro/index.aspx>

General Inspectorate for Communications and Information Technology:
<http://www.igcti.ro/igcti_eng>

##  Power Equipment and Energy Efficiency [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Bulgaria's EU membership means increased energy demand, decreased supply
(decommissioning of a nuclear power plant), and the need to work quickly
to meet EU goals for alternative energy supply and alternative energy
development. U.S. companies that can provide solutions to increase
energy independence, energy efficiency, and develop alternative energy
sources will find opportunities in Bulgaria.

Oil and gas sector best sales prospects include: installation of dust
collectors for transmission network cleaning facilities; rehabilitation
and modernization of the local pipeline system (gas meter stations and
extension of gas regulating stations for gas distribution companies and
new consumers connections); information systems and introduction of
information control systems.

[Romania]{.underline}

The Romanian government plans to increase power output by upgrading
existing facilities. Total investment over the next two decades will
amount to \$10 billion. Examples of some investments are the completion
of the second unit of Cernavoda nuclear plant (over \$1.4 billion), the
completion of 21 hydropower plants (\$1 billion), the privatization of
electricity distribution (\$1 billion), and the rehabilitation of
thermal power plants.

Major rehabilitation and privatization programs of the Romanian energy
sector scheduled to take place in the next years will lead to increased
exports thereby stimulating the demand for increased energy products and
services. The best prospects for U.S. companies are exports of
electrical power systems and activities related to energy network design
and construction, operation (including transportation, transmission and
distribution), maintenance and repair, and installation and upgrading,
wholesale customer activities (metering and billing, energy management),
trading, brokering and sales activities, commodity and risk management,
advisory activities, research and development.

**For more information on market entry strategies contact:**

Emily Taneva, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5770

Email: <emily.taneva@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

**For information on alternative/renewable energy and energy efficiency
contact:**

Andon Kalibatsev

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5781

Email: <andon.kalibatsev@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Maria Nitoiu, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3379

Email: Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Bulgargaz EAD [www.bulgargaz.bg](http://www.bulgargaz.bg/)

National Electric Company [www.nek.bg](http://www.nek.bg/)

Sofia District Heating Company [www.toplo.bg](http://www.toplo.bg/)

Kozloduy NPP [www.kznpp.org](http://www.kznpp.org/)

Ministry of Economy and Energy www.mi.government.bg/

State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission
[www.dker.bg](http://www.dker.bg/)

Energy Efficiency Agency [www.SEEA](http://www.SEEA/).government.bg

###### Romania

Ministry of Economy and Commerce:
[http://www.minind.ro](http://www.minind.ro/)

TERMOELECTRICA SA:
[http://www.termoelectrica.ro](http://www.termoelectrica.ro/)

HIDROELECTRICA SA:
[http://www.hidroelectrica.ro](http://www.hidroelectrica.ro/)

NUCLEARELECTRICA SA:
[http://www.nuclearelectrica.ro](http://www.nuclearelectrica.ro/)

TRANSELECTRICA SA:
[http://www.transelectrica.ro](http://www.transelectrica.ro/)

EELECTRICA SA: [http://www.electrica.ro](http://www.electrica.ro/)

Romanian Government: [http://www.guv.ro](http://www.guv.ro/)

## Pollution Control [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Bulgaria\'s accession to the EU requires a massive environmental cleanup
and implementation of new environmental standards. Bulgaria will have to
invest more than \$11.6 billion by 2013 in order to meet EU
environmental requirements, some of the funding coming from EU funds for
environmental infrastructure projects. Bulgaria will need to import
almost all of the technology for these requirements, and U.S. companies
that possess world-class technology, equipment, services and systems at
competitive prices will be best poised to benefit from these
opportunities.

Water and wastewater:

Most industries in Bulgaria need to construct or upgrade their
wastewater treatment facilities in the next 3-4 years in order to meet
the new EU requirement. Urban wastewater treatment plants are planned
for 430 cities and towns with populations over 2,000 until 2015.

Solid waste:

Currently Bulgaria utilizes landfills for the disposal for municipal
waste. There is a critical need to find more environmentally-friendly
ways to handle hazardous, solid, and industrial waste, such as
waste-to-energy, recycling, and waste minimization.

Air:

The air pollution control sector will provide opportunities for
construction of air pollution control installations at large industrial
facilities.

[Romania]{.underline}

Romania faces acute problems generated by air, water and soil pollution.
The solution will require a large investment in the short and long term,
as well as the involvement of both the public and the private sector.
The cost of such measures in Romania has been estimated at a staggering
\$ 35 billion between 2005-2019, the highest costs estimated for any of
the EU accession countries. The highest costs will fall under the "heavy
environment investments" related to water and wastewater; solid and
hazardous waste management, and large combustion plant air quality
control.

Industrial pollution:

In Romania, there are 716 industrial installations that need to be
modernized in order to comply with EU requirements for industrial
pollution, out of which only 18 are compliant, 195 obtained transition
periods until 2115 and 521 should have been complied by December 31,
2006. The value of such investments amounts to \$3.2 billion, out of
which 25% has already been spent.

Water/wastewater treatment:

Romania needs \$24 billion until 2018 to have its water system meet EU
requirements. The Environment Ministry is implementing 40 water
infrastructure projects, which require \$4.5 billion in investments.

Waste management:

After pilot projects that test selective waste collection were completed
between 2004-2006, the strategy is to now implement them at the national
level between 2007-2017. The total costs for implementing such projects
are estimated at \$4-4.5 billion.

Best prospect areas for such products and services are related to
projects managed by municipalities and local governments (water supply,
waste water treatment, solid minimization, recycling and disposal,
district heating, mining waste), projects handled by individual
companies (emissions and effluent reduction and treatment, pollution
prevention measures, hazardous waste disposal, energy utilization, and
soil remediation), projects related to the construction, modernization,
or extension of landfill sites for both cities and villages or
construction of deposits for industrial wastes, the creation of secure
centralized deposits for dangerous waste, the establishment of
incinerators for dangerous and clinical waste, and waste re-cycling.
Another important area of opportunity is that of EMS (Environmental
Management System) implementation according to international standards
(ISO 14001).

**For more information and market entry strategies contact:**

Stanislava Dimitrova, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5740

Email: <stanislava.dimitrova@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Maria Nitoiu, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3379

Email: Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
[www.mrrb.government.bg](http://www.mrrb.government.bg/)

Ministry of Environment and Water
[www.moew.government.bg](http://www.moew.government.bg/)

###### Romania

Ministry of Environment and Waters Management:
[http://www.mmediu.ro](http://www.mmediu.ro/)

## Franchising [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading) 

[Bulgaria]{.underline}

More than half of the franchise chains present in Bulgaria have entered
the market during the last five or six years, and significant surge has
been seen during 2006. This trend will accelerate even more as
disposable income and understanding of the franchise business model
grows.

Franchising is most apparent in the fast-food sector with many local and
internationally recognized fast-food franchises operating in Bulgarian.
The Bulgarian retail market is now ready for the many products and
services that are typically marketed and sold internationally through
franchise stores. Bulgarian consumers are looking for retailers that can
provide a consistent selection of quality products, reasonable prices
and good service. Bulgarian entrepreneurs are also eager to obtain
marketing and management expertise.

Among the most visible brands in Bulgaria are: KFC, Dunkin Donuts,
Subway, Pizza Hut, Berlitz, ERA, Century 21, Remax, Wilson Learning and
others. While Bulgaria has 21 McDonald\'s restaurants that employ over
1,000 Bulgarians and serve over 6 million customers a year, in 2006
McDonald\'s named three developmental licensee franchises for its
Bulgarian operation.

Sectors with the most significant potential for U.S. franchisers include
automotive products and services, restaurants, lodging (hotels),
laundry/dry-cleaning, and employment/educational/training services. Good
franchise opportunities also include convenience stores, ice
cream/yogurt stores, hardware stores, marketing/public relations,
specialty retail stores, commercial and residential cleaning, equipment
rental centers, recreation facilities/equipment and services, baked
foods, candy and snacks.

[Romania]{.underline}

The franchise market in Romania started an upward trend in 2000. From 18
franchise chains registered that year, the number went up to 171 in
2005, achieving annual revenues of almost \$1.1 billion, which accounts
for 8% of the whole trade (still small in comparison with the U.S.
market - 70%). By the end of 2007, the number of franchises is predicted
to increase up to 500, out of which 70% will be international and 30%
Romanian. The most developed franchise networks in Romania are: Fornetti
(500 operating units), Allois Dallmayr Kaffe (117 operating units),
Germanos (114 operating units). Both the Romanian and the international
brands concentrated on cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, such as:
Timisoara, Constanta, Brasov, Ploiesti, Sibiu, Oradea, Iasi, with
Bucharest ranking first, with over 70% of the total franchises in
Romania.

In case of U.S. franchisors, the rather high level of royalties compared
to the one of the European franchisors is a major obstacle for their
expansion into the Romanian market. On the other hand, as famous as
these brands might be in the U.S., they are unknown in Romania yet. The
geographical remoteness is another snag. When a potential franchisee
needs to travel to the franchisor's country of origin, he would rather
travel within Europe than to the U.S. So it is easier with the European
franchises from this point of view.

The most successful franchises on the Romanian market belong to the
segment of retailers and service providers, which require lesser
investments. To set up a retail business, the entry fees, (accounting
for almost 60% of the initial costs of the business start-up) can amount
to \$30,064. For a service provider franchise, the fee ranges between
\$12,026 and \$60,122. A fast food company could go up to \$120,243. The
royalties that a retailer needs to pay vary between 0 and 6% of the
turnover, whereas in the case of a service provider they may go up to
20%.

**For more information on market entry strategies contact:**

Emily Taneva, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5770

Email: <emily.taneva@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Corina Gheorghisor, Commercial Assistant

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3397

Email:
[Corina.Gheorghisor@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

Bulgaria

<http://franchising.start.bg/> Franchising in Bulgaria

[www.bulfa.org](http://www.bulfa.org/) Bulgarian Franchise Association

###### Romania

IMO Franchising Group: [http://www.fbb.ro](http://www.fbb.ro/)

CHR Consulting: http://www.francize.ro

Information on franchise: <info@francizor.ro>

ARF Romanian Franchise Association: [www.cecif.ro](http://www.cecif.ro/)

European Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Franchise:
[http://www.observatorulfrancizei.ro](http://www.observatorulfrancizei.ro/)

European Union: [http://europa.eu.int](http://europa.eu.int/)

Romanian Government: [http://www.guv.ro](http://www.guv.ro/)

McDonald's Romania: [http://www.mcdonalds.ro](http://www.mcdonalds.ro/)

Pizza Hut Romania: [http://www.pizzahut.ro](http://www.pizzahut.ro/)

KFC: [http://www.kfc.com](http://www.kfc.com/)

Coca Cola Romania: [http://www.coca-cola.ro](http://www.coca-cola.ro/)

Pepsi Cola: [http://www.pepsico.com](http://www.pepsico.com/)

## Safety and Security/ Defense [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

[Bulgaria]{.underline}

The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense is modernizing the Bulgarian armed
forces and preparing for interoperability with NATO forces with 80
specific projects.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Transportation and the U.S. Trade and
Development Agency completed two technical assistance projects to
upgrade and improve safety and security at Bulgarian international
airports.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior together with Ministry of Finance,
State Agency Customs and Border Police are looking for ways to improve
border monitoring, security and customs database systems. Best products
include X-ray, MR type of equipment, infrared mobile and stationary
equipment, on site field testing, laboratory equipment, ID security
application equipment, new IT and high tech equipment, programs and
related services.

Best prospect for the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense are western-made
multipurpose aircraft, replacement of the army\'s Russian-made vehicles,
new ships for the navy, communication and command centers, and
modernization of Soviet-made jet fighters or purchase of western
aircraft.

In 2006 the U.S. and Bulgaria signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement
(DCA) as a bilateral framework to allow U.S. Army toops to train
side-by-side with the Bulgarian Army. The U.S. Army plans to spend
tens-of-millions of dollars to upgrade Bulgarian military facilities for
the joint-training facilities.

[Romania]{.underline}

Following 15 years of post-Communist transition, Romania became a NATO
member on March 29, 2004. In a concerted effort to rejuvenate Romania's
armed forces and make them interoperable with NATO forces, the Romanian
military is currently embarking on a long-term modernization program
expected to be complete in 2010.

In 2007, Romanian Army will be formed exclusively of professionals and
will have the biggest budget in its whole history, USD2.86 billion,
representing 2.05 % of GDP, despite the fact the total number of
employees, military and paramilitary, will be five times less (90,000)
than in 1990 (450,000). Romania's defense industry is likely to increase
in accordance with the restructuring process of the armed forces and the
modernization programs of the defense technology and systems.

Through its performances and potential, Romania's Defense Industry
represents a complex and dynamic economy branch, continuing to be
attractive for foreign and national investments.

Romania's defense industry is set to mature considerably as a result of
active support from the government to privatize some of its sectors, but
remains relatively small compared to its European counterparts. In the
second quarter of 2006, the Romanian government unveiled plans to
privatize the helicopter manufacturer IAR Ghimbav, which manufacturers
Allouette and Puma helicopters

In 2007, will be launched a series of extremely generous programs aiming
the military equipment endowment:

-   Land Forces: Procurement of 384 armored and light vehicles, armored
    conveyors for land forces troops-estimated budget USD 1.28 million

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Air Forces: Future military expenditure is likely to focus on
    replacing its ageing fleet of MIG-21 aircraft. To comply with NATO
    standards, the Romanian air force has requested 48 fourth-generation
    multi-role aircraft. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, the
    Boeing F/A-18, the Lockheed martin F-16 and used Israel Air Force
    F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft are under consideration.
    Procurement of one ground-to-air missile system is also a necessity.

-   Naval Forces: Procurement of mine hunter vessels and multifunctional
    corvettes -- budget estimated at over USD 9 billion to be spent
    during the next ten years.

The fact that Romania recently became a NATO member increased her
strategic importance in the Black Sea region and provided a better
co-operation with the U.S. This coupled with her recent accession to the
EU, as well as possible resulting effects (e.g. increased risk of
terrorist attacks) will undoubtedly spurn growth in the airport/port and
border security market resulting in significant opportunities for much
needed U.S. security technology and know --how.The market size for the
airport & port security market can be estimated at minimum USD 250
million in 2006 and with projection maintaining this trend for 2007 to
2009. The inflation target of National Bank of Romania is 5%, but the
estimated inflation for 2006 is 6-6.5%. US companies are present in the
market, but do not hold a leading position. They share the security
market with German and Israeli firms as follows: The perimeter security
systems market is 80% dominated by Israeli companies, the trans-border
systems market is 90% controlled by German companies, and the navigation
systems market is 75% covered by US companies.

Products and services offering the best potential for U.S. sales are:

-   Aviation Security Threat Information and Event Reporting Systems
    (AVSEC-TIERS)

-   Aviation Security Performance Measurement and Management Systems

-   Integrated Aviation Security Exercise, War-gaming, and Training
    Program

-   Computer Based Training and Testing System for Screeners'
    Certification

-   Biometric Access Control Systems

-   Video Surveillance Systems

-   Enhanced Perimeter Fencing and Lighting Systems

-   Upgraded Walk Through Metal Detectors

-   Upgraded Hand Held Metal Detectors

-   Upgraded Passenger and Carry On Baggage X-rays (plus catering x-ray)

-   Baggage Explosive Detection Systems (EDS)

-   Cargo X-rays (pallet)

-   Cargo X-rays (truck)

-   Radiation Detection Systems (portable)

-   Vapor and Explosive Trace Detection Systems.

The niche sectors that offer the best potential for U.S. sales in
addition to airports, ports and ground transportation include; defense,
police and Special Forces units, nuclear power plants and
nuclear-related industries (heavy water production, uranium enrichment,
nuclear transport monitoring, pollution/radiation monitoring) utilities
(production, transport of gas, electricity), refineries, and other
industrial units.

**For more information and market entry strategies contact:**

Uliana Kanelli, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tel: 359-2-939-5706

Email: <uliana.kanelli@mail.doc.gov>

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

Monica Eremia, Commercial Specialist

U.S. Commercial Service, Bucharest, Romania

Tel: 4021-200 - 3358

Email: [Monica.Eremia@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov)

http://www.buyusa.gov/romania

### Resources [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Leading)

###### Bulgaria

Ministry of Defense -
[www.md.government.bg](http://www.md.government.bg/)

Ministry of Finance, State Agency Customs --
[www.customs.bg](http://www.customs.bg/)

Ministry of Interior -- [www.mvr.bg](http://www.mvr.bg/)

Ministry of Transport --
[www.mtc.government.bg](http://www.mtc.government.bg/)

[Romania]{.underline}

[http://www.bsda.ro](http://www.bsda.ro/)

[http://www.expomil.ro](http://www.expomil.ro/)

[http://www.exposecurity.ro](http://www.exposecurity.ro/)

######### Ministry of Public Administration and Interior: [**www.mai.gov.ro**](http://www.mai.gov.ro/)

######### Security Companies Employers' Association:[**www.patrosec.ro**](http://www.patrosec.ro/)

######### Romanian Security Technology Association: [**www.arts.org.ro**](http://www.arts.org.ro/)

[Return to table of contents](#section)

# Chapter 4: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_1:_Doing)

-   [Contacts](#contacts-return-to-top)

-   [Market Research](#market-research-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Events](#trade-events-return-to-top)

The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help your
business enter and succeed in markets worldwide. Our global network of
trade specialists will work one-on-one with you through every step of
the exporting process, helping you to:

-   Target the best markets with our world-class research

-   Promote your products and services to qualified buyers

-   Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services

-   Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers

For more information on the services the U.S. Commercial Service offers
U.S. businesses, please visit
<http://www.export.gov/exportassistanceservices.html>

For specific services offered from Commercial Service Office in Bulgaria
please visit

<http://www.buyusa.gov/bulgaria>

For specific services offered from Commercial Service Office in Romania
please visit

<http://www.buyusa.gov/romania>

## Contacts [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Contacts,)

[U.S. Government Contacts]{.underline}

U.S. Embassy - Sofia [http://sofia.usembassy.gov]{.underline}

U.S. Embassy -- Bucharest
[http://bucharest.usembassy.gov](http://bucharest.usembassy.gov/)

U.S. Department of State [http://www.state.gov](http://www.state.gov/)

U.S. Department of Commerce
[http://www.export.gov](http://www.export.gov/)

U.S. Department of Agriculture
[http://www.usda.gov](http://www.usda.gov/)

U.S. Agency for International Development
[http://www.usaid.gov](http://www.usaid.gov/)

U.S. Export-Import Bank [http://www.exim.gov](http://www.exim.gov/)

Overseas Private Investment Corporation
[http://www.opic.gov](http://www.opic.gov/)

U.S. Trade and Development Agency
[http://www.tda.gov](http://www.tda.gov/)

[Trade and Industry Associations]{.underline}

American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria

President: Borislav Boyanov

Executive Director: Valentin Georgiev

Business Park Sofia

Building 2, floor 6

Mladost 4 Area

1715 Sofia

Phone: (359)(2) 976-9565, 976-9566 Fax: (359)(2) 976-9569

E-mail: <amcham@amcham.bg> Website:
[http://www.amcham.bg](http://www.amcham.bg/)

American Chamber of Commerce in Romania

President Roberto Musneci

Executive Director: Anca Harasim

Union International Center\
11 Ion Campineanu St., 010031-Bucharest\
Tel: 40 21 312 4834; 315 8694 Fax: 40 21 312 4851\
<amcham@amcham.ro>

## Market Research [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Contacts,)

To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service
please go to the following website:
[http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html](http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html )
and click on Country and Industry Market Reports.

A market research on the environmental sector will be available for both
the Bulgarian and Romanian sector. To download it please access
[www.export.gov](http://www.export.gov/).

Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and
U.S. companies. Registration to the site is required, but free of
charge.

U.S. Department of Agriculture issues market briefs produced by the
Foreign Agricultural Service in Sofia and Bucharest. Reports can be
obtained from <http://www.fas.usda.gov/>

## Trade Events [**Return to top**](#_Chapter_4:_Contacts,)

# [BSDA 2007 - Black Sea Defense & Aerospace Exhibition and Conference](#_Chapter_4:_Contacts,)

Bucharest, Romania

*April 24-27, 2007 * Website: [www.bsda.ro](http://www.bsda.ro/)

BSDA, the only US Department of Commerce Certified Trade Show in
Romania, is an international exhibition and conference for the
aerospace, defense, homeland security, and safety and security
industries.  The stability and democratic development of the Black Sea
region, as well as its geographical proximity to the
\"arc-of-instability\" ensures increasing sales of defense, security and
aerospace technologies and support infrastructures.  U.S. companies
interested in learning more and participating in this excellent
opportunity can contact: 

Monica Eremia, Trade Specialist

Tel: +40-21-200-3358

Email:
[Monica.Eremia@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov](mailto:Monica.Eremia@mail.doc.gov)

# WASTE EXPO 2007

Atlanta, USA

*May 8-10, 2007 * Website: [www.wasteexpo.com](http://www.bsda.ro/)

CS Bucharest and Sofia recruit a delegation from both the private and
public sector for the largest waste management show in USA. Bulgarian
and Romanian companies interested in learning more and participating in
this excellent opportunity can contact: 

Stanislava Dimitrova, Trade Specialist

Tel: 359-2-939-5740

Email: <Stanislava.Dimitrova@mail.doc.gov>

Maria Nitoiu, Trade Specialist

Tel: +40-21-200-3379

Email: [Maria.Nitoiu@mail.doc.gov](mailto:Monica.Eremia@mail.doc.gov)

####### 

####### Bulgaria

Bulgarreklama [www.bulgarreklama.com](http://www.bulgarreklama.com/)

Plovdiv Fair [www.fair.bg](http://www.fair.bg/)

Viaexpo [www.viaexpo.com](http://www.viaexpo.com/)

Expoteam <http://www.expoteam.org/firm.htm>

Bulgarian Economic Forum <http://www.biforum.org/>

The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry publishes an annual
Calendar of the Fairs and Exhibitions in Bulgaria. The BCCI's website is
[http://www.bcci.bg](http://www.bcci.bg/)

####### Romania

[http://www.bsda.ro](http://www.bsda.ro/)

[http://www.expomil.ro](http://www.expomil.ro/)

[http://www.exposecurity.ro](http://www.exposecurity.ro/)

[http://www.romexpo.org](http://www.romexpo.org/)

<http://www.buyusa.gov/romania>