On 3 December 2025, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) marked the 130th anniversary of its founding with an official ceremony at the Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel in the capital. During the event, special awards were presented to companies, regional chambers, branch organisations, individuals and media with a lasting contribution to the development of the Bulgarian economy and to the activities of the Chamber. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps and business organisations from Bulgaria and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the category \u201cRegional Chamber of Commerce and Industry\u201d, the distinction was awarded to the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) for its significant business activities and consistent support for enterprises in the region over the past decade. The award was presented by the BCCI leadership and received by RCCI\u2019s Executive Director, Milen Dobrev.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The distinction reaffirms the role of RCCI as the first chamber of commerce in Bulgaria, founded in Ruse in 1890 and restored after the democratic changes. Throughout its more than 135-year history, the Chamber has been a key partner of the local business community, actively involved in the development of the industrial and investment environment, and working in close cooperation with BCCI and European business networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A special place among the awardees was given to the Ruse-based company Express Service Ltd. In the category \u201cCompanies with a Long History and Sustainable Presence in Bulgaria\u2019s Economy\u201d, the company received a bronze \u201cHermes\u201d statuette and a certificate. Express Service is the successor of the locomotive workshop that serviced Bulgaria\u2019s first railway line Ruse\u2013Varna, with a history dating back to 1866, and continues the traditions of the \u201cVasil Kolarov\u201d Locomotive and Wagon Works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Express Service is a recognised national leader in locomotive repair and manufacturing and one of the examples of a modern industrial company from Ruse that successfully combines deep manufacturing roots with investments in technology, modernisation and exports.<\/p>\n\n\n