133 years since the establishment of the Rousse Chamber of Commerce and Industry: The first Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria

Today we proudly celebrate the 133rd anniversary of the establishment of the Rousse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the first Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. This historical moment represents the beginning of a new era in the Bulgarian economy and business environment.

After the Liberation, Ruse established itself as one of the most important centers of the young Bulgarian state. For the first time in Bulgaria, enterprising and business traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs founded a Chamber of Commerce. It aims to gather the intellect and initiative of the commercial-productive strata of the population, to protect their interests and to serve as an advisory body to the government on matters of economic development of the country.

In the period from 1885 to 1903, 135 trading firms were registered in Ruse, a city with rapid industrial development and traditional trade ties. People from Rus created the first joint-stock companies in the country, such as "Girdap" (1881), "Bulgaria" (1890) and "Bulgarian Commercial Bank" (1895).

In 1889-1890, in Ohanes Encarnian's cafe, the idea of creating a commercial organization began to develop. From the spring of 1890, the newly established Chamber of Commerce began its activity. The newspaper "Slavyani" published a large article in which it hailed the "good internal organization" of the chamber and pointed out that it "does honor to those who undertook its creation."

On July 19, 1890, the Chamber organized a solemn banquet in honor of Prime Minister Stefan Stambolov's visit to Ruse. The initial activity of the first Chamber of Commerce is not limited to representative events. At the end of 1890, the members of the Chamber became initiators and established the First Bulgarian Insurance Joint Stock Company "Bulgaria" in Ruse. Panayot A. Popov was elected as the chairman of the Chamber.

Over the years, the Rousse Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to play a key role in the development of the Bulgarian economy. The Chamber supports the development of local enterprises, the exchange of experience and knowledge, and the improvement of the conditions for conducting business in the region.

The celebration of the 133rd anniversary of the establishment of the Rousse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an occasion to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to its history and success. Let this anniversary serve as an inspiration for future generations of Bulgarian entrepreneurs, industrialists and merchants to continue developing the country's economy and maintain the spirit of cooperation and progress on which the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry was built.