Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated 135 years with a gala evening and business awards
On April 15, 2025, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated its 135th anniversary with a gala evening at the Danube Plaza Hotel, bringing together business representatives, institutions and partners from the region and the country. The event highlighted the historical role of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the first chamber of commerce in Bulgaria, established in 1890.
During the evening, awards were presented to leading companies in various categories:
- "Innovative business" – Civico Ltd.
- "Corporate Social Responsibility" – FAAK Bulgaria EAD
- "Pioneer Company" – Prista Oil Holding AD
- "Visionary Company" – Gigacharger Ltd.
- "Export Leader" – SL Industries Ltd.
- "Strategic Partner" – Free Zone – Ruse EAD
The establishment of the award attracted special attention "Ivan Cherkezov", which was awarded for the first time to Bulmarket Group AD. The award bears the name of the restorer of RTIK in 1990 and is awarded to companies with an exceptional contribution to the regional economy. The prize was presented by Cherkezov's daughter - Eleonora Cherkezova-Ivanova.
The Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bulgaria, Milen Dobrev, was awarded the Governor's Award for his visionary work in supporting business and promoting innovation. He emphasized that the Chamber unites nearly 400 companies and has implemented almost 100 international projects over the past decade.
Earlier in the day, the economic forum "Business Horizons 2025" was held, focusing on the opportunities arising from Bulgaria's Schengen membership and upcoming accession to the eurozone. Participants included the Mayor of Ruse Pencho Milkov, the President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tsvetan Simeonov, and financial expert Lyubomir Datsov.
On the same day, a Council of the Presidents of the BCCI was held in the conference hall of the RTIK, which was attended by the majority of the heads of the chambers of commerce in Bulgaria.
The event concluded with the presentation of the legendary Garash cake, symbolically linked to the Chamber's first banquet in 1890, emphasizing the connection between traditions and modern business success.
