🎉 Save the Date: Australia Day Celebration - January 26, 2024! 🇦🇺

The Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC) is delighted to announce a spectacular celebration in honor of Australia Day on January 26, 2024. This significant event will bring together distinguished guests from both the Bulgarian and Australian governments for an evening of cultural exchange, live entertainment, and networking opportunities.

📅 **Date:** January 26, 2024

📍 **Venue:** To be Announced

Stay tuned for updates as we unveil more details about the venue, special guests, and the exciting program planned for this momentous occasion. Save the date, and get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Australia Day with the BABC community.

This promises to be an extraordinary celebration, and we look forward to sharing the joy of Australia Day with our valued members and friends.

📢 Event Recap: "Meet the Members" Evening at Bar ME, Sofia

On November 30, 2023, the Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC) hosted a successful "Meet the Members" event at Bar ME in Sofia. The evening was marked by lively conversations, networking, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Members and friends gathered to strengthen professional connections and explore new opportunities within the BABC community. Bar ME provided the perfect backdrop for an engaging and enjoyable experience.

A special thanks to all attendees for making the event a success, and to Bar ME for their hospitality.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and initiatives from BABC! #BABC #NetworkingEvent #BusinessCommunity

Australian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, HE Ms Alison Duncan, Strengthens Ties with Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC)

Sofia, Bulgaria - October 14, 2023 - The Australian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, HE Ms Alison Duncan, embarked on an official visit to Sofia on October 13th, 2023. During her visit, Ambassador Duncan presented her credentials to the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, and engaged in a series of official engagements, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the nations.

As part of her official program, Ambassador Duncan made an essential stop to connect with the Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC) and its esteemed members. The special gathering, which took place on Friday, October 13th, provided a unique opportunity for BABC members to meet and interact with Ambassador Duncan in an informal and convivial setting.

A distinguished career diplomat, Ambassador Duncan's wealth of experience and insights is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations between Australia and Bulgaria. Her mission aligns seamlessly with BABC's vision of fostering robust business ties and collaborations between the two nations.

The gathering was marked by fruitful discussions, productive networking, and a commitment to building bridges between the business communities of both countries. The event also saw the gracious offer of complimentary drinks, courtesy of Ambassador HE Ms. Alison Duncan, further symbolizing the strong bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

BABC members expressed their eagerness to welcome Ambassador Duncan to their vibrant community, recognizing her as a key partner in their ongoing mission to promote business relations and opportunities between Australia and Bulgaria.

Annual General Meeting 2023

Members Only

The Annual General Meeting of 2023 held by the Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC) was a remarkable gathering of our esteemed members. It provided a pivotal platform for reflection, discussion, and decisive actions. During this event, we had the privilege of reviewing our notable achievements, presenting crucial financial reports, and electing new board members who will help steer our organization into the future.

As always, the AGM fostered an environment for networking and engagement among our valued members, allowing them to share insights and experiences. The agenda covered essential topics, from the CEO's report to discussions and resolutions. We also welcomed new board members who bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the council.

After the meeting, we had a delightful happy hour, where informal networking and conversations took place, reinforcing the bonds within our community.

The success of this AGM wouldn't have been possible without the active participation of our dedicated members. We greatly appreciate your continued support, enthusiasm, and dedication to the BABC. Your presence and insights at the AGM have been invaluable, shaping the future of our organization as we move forward together. Thank you for being an integral part of our community.

🌟 Thank You for Making the Aussie BBQ Event an Incredible Success! 🌟

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us at the Aussie BBQ and Networking Event. Your presence and enthusiasm made the evening truly remarkable! 🎉🙌

It was a pleasure to see familiar faces and meet new members of the BABC community. The energy and positive vibes throughout the event were infectious, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. 😊🤝

We extend our special thanks to MobiSystems Inc. for their sponsorship and for sharing their inspiring success story. Their valuable insights and experiences added great value to the event. 👏📈

The mouthwatering BBQ feast, accompanied by Dandelion Vineyards wine 🍖🍷 and Bulgarian beer 🍻, was a delightful culinary experience. We hope you enjoyed the delicious food, lively conversations, and the breathtaking view of Vitosha Mountain from the rooftop venue. 🍽️🗻

We are truly grateful for your continued support and participation in BABC events. Your presence contributes to the growth and success of our community. 🙏💼

Once again, thank you for being part of this unforgettable evening. We look forward to welcoming you to our future events as we continue to foster collaboration, networking, and mutual growth within the Bulgarian-Australian business community. 🌐✨

Stay connected, stay inspired, and let's create more amazing memories together! 🤝💪

On the 25th of May 2023, members and associates of the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council (BABC) gathered at Bar Me for an unforgettable evening of networking.

The gathering provided a platform for professionals from diverse industries to connect, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful relationships. It exemplified BABC's commitment to fostering collaboration and facilitating connections between Bulgarian and Australian businesses.

As BABC continues to grow, we extend a warm invitation to new members to join our dynamic community. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to come together and build a stronger business network.

BABC Holds Successful Meet and Drink Event 27th of April 2023

Last night, members and associates of the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council (BABC) gathered at Bar Me for a casual meet and drink event. Despite the lack of photos to capture the moment, the evening was a great success and enjoyed by all in attendance.

"It was truly wonderful to spend time with each and every one of you, and we hope you all had a great time," said the BABC board in a statement of gratitude to the participants.

The event provided an opportunity for members and associates to network and engage in conversations with like-minded professionals from various industries.

BABC holds regular events throughout the year to facilitate connections and foster collaboration between Bulgarian and Australian businesses. The council continues to welcome new members and looks forward to the next opportunity to gather with its community.

Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) heads in Luxembourg April 2023.

We are thrilled to share that the Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) heads recently gathered for a highly productive meeting in Luxembourg at the end of April 2023. The meeting served as an excellent platform to discuss various topics, including our network strategy, and showcased the remarkable collaboration among our 19 networks.

During this gathering, our ABIE heads engaged in insightful discussions about the ongoing efforts to strengthen business networking between Australia and Europe. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore new avenues for enhancing our collective impact.

We are immensely proud of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by our 19 networks, as they consistently work together to foster meaningful connections and facilitate business opportunities. Their collaboration is vital in promoting trade relations, expanding knowledge-sharing platforms, and supporting the growth of Australian businesses in Europe.

The meeting in Luxembourg not only reinforced the importance of these connections but also highlighted the positive outcomes that arise when diverse perspectives come together. By harnessing the collective expertise and experiences of our ABIE networks, we can drive impactful change and promote the interests of Australian businesses on the European stage.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the ABIE heads who participated in the meeting and contributed to the success of this gathering. Your commitment to advancing Australian-European business relations is truly commendable.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to nurturing our networks, fostering collaboration, and creating even more opportunities for business growth and development. Together, we can continue to build bridges between Australia and Europe and drive economic prosperity for all.

1st International Australian rules football tournament on March 4, 2023, in Sofia, Bulgaria,

AFL Bulgaria, in cooperation with Bulgarian-Australian Business Council, presents the 2023 International Australian rules football Tournament in Sofia.

4 Teams from 3 countries competed for The Cup With The Martenitsa. The one-day tournament has a similar format to the AFL Europe’s EURO Cup and Champions League and offered excellent pre-season experience for some of the top clubs in the continent.

The participating teams include the current AFL London runner-up Wandsworth Demons and the top Israeli side Tel Aviv Cheetahs.

The hosting country was represented by the newly formed Bulgarian Bombers.

🌟 Honoring Excellence: Australian Ambassador, HE Ms Alison Duncan, Joins BABC as Honorary Board Member 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Australian Ambassador, HE Ms Alison Duncan, has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Board Member of the Bulgarian Australian Business Council (BABC). HE Ms Alison Duncan, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization.

Ms Duncan's remarkable career has seen her serve overseas in Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands, contributing to her deep understanding of international relations. In her most recent role as Assistant Secretary of the Consular Communications and Policy Branch, she has demonstrated her commitment to diplomacy and public service.

Ms Duncan's decision to join our Honorary Board is a testament to her dedication to fostering strong relations between our nations. We are honored to welcome her to the BABC family, and we look forward to her valuable insights and contributions.

📣 Exciting News Announcement! 📣
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Ambassador-Designate Alison Duncan as the new Head of Mission for Australia! 🥳🌟 BABC extends a warm welcome! 🎉🌟

With her wealth of experience and expertise, Ambassador Duncan brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Bulgaria 🇧🇬 and Australia 🇦🇺.

Under Ambassador Duncan's leadership, we are confident in achieving significant milestones and fostering greater cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, culture, and more. Her vision and dedication will guide us towards building stronger ties and creating valuable opportunities for our members.

Stay tuned for updates on the exciting projects that lie ahead. Ambassador Duncan's vision and guidance will steer us towards success, and we can't wait to share our progress with all of you. 📈✨

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Ambassador-Designate Alison Duncan. 🤝💫

Australia and the European Union (EU) are making significant progress in their negotiations for an ambitious trade agreement.

The 15th round of negotiations was highly constructive, with several chapters provisionally closed, including Technical Barriers to Trade, Intellectual Property Rights (excluding Geographical Indications), Rules of Origin, Digital Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Sustainable Food Systems, Financial Services, and more. Outstanding issues include trade in sensitive agricultural products, services and investment, subsidies and state-owned enterprises, trade and sustainable development, and energy and resources. Both sides are actively working towards a win-win deal, with important discussions scheduled between EU Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell in early June.

For more details, please refer to the official reports from the EU and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

This update was kindly provided by European Australian Business Council (EABC)

"The Bulgarian-Australian Business Council and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski forge a partnership to enhance academic exchange and foster the development of highly skilled professionals"

In a significant stride towards academic collaboration, the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" have recently inked a groundbreaking agreement. This partnership opens up a multitude of opportunities to nurture the training of highly qualified specialists through both short-term and long-term partnerships with esteemed higher education institutions in Australia and New Zealand.

The agreement encompasses a wide range of domains, including economics, management, finance, accounting, auditing, and the emerging field of big data analysis and modeling in business. Its primary objective is to augment theoretical knowledge and cultivate practical skills among students, empowering them for success in their professional journeys.

This pivotal agreement paves the way for enriching the curricula of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Real-world case studies and practical examples in the realm of foreign trade relations between Bulgaria and Australia, as well as New Zealand, will be integrated into the educational programs. By incorporating these practical insights, students will gain invaluable exposure to the dynamics of international business.

The partnership aims to provide students with immersive learning experiences by facilitating internships and lecture visits to higher education institutions in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, it seeks to offer career guidance and motivation to both lecturers and students of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Within this collaborative framework, various activities such as joint lectures, specialized training sessions, round table discussions, conferences, and other engaging events will be organized. Moreover, the agreement will align with postgraduate qualification programs at Sofia University, fostering continuous professional development.

This transformative agreement between the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration opens up new academic horizons for students and lecturers alike, who possess a keen interest in the realms of finance and investment in Australia and New Zealand. It heralds a promising era of cross-cultural exchange and educational advancement.

Together, we embark on an exciting journey of knowledge sharing, innovation, and the development of skilled professionals who will contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of global business.

#BulgarianAustralianBusinessCouncil #SofiaUniversity #AcademicExchange #Partnership #HigherEducation #SkillsDevelopment #Finance #Investment #Australia #NewZealand

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Australia, the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council (BABC) hosted a momentous gathering in Sofia, bringing together diplomats and companies dedicated to fostering bilateral ties. The event witnessed the participation of esteemed members from the council, business representatives, officials from key ministries and directorates, as well as esteemed delegates from other chambers of commerce in Bulgaria.

The occasion, held in Sofia in 2022, served as a remarkable platform for dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the longstanding and evolving relationship between Bulgaria and Australia. With half a century of diplomatic ties, the event showcased the depth of cooperation and the shared commitment to further strengthen economic, cultural, and social connections.

Representatives from both countries exchanged insights, explored opportunities, and fostered new partnerships to drive mutual growth and prosperity. The gathering facilitated meaningful discussions on trade, investment, innovation, and cultural exchange, providing a fertile ground for collaboration between Bulgarian and Australian businesses.

As the Bulgarian-Australian Business Council, we are proud to have facilitated this momentous event that celebrates the milestones achieved in our bilateral relations. We remain steadfast in our dedication to nurturing and expanding these ties, creating avenues for mutual benefits and sustainable growth for both nations.

The Sofia event of 2022 will be remembered as a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of friendship and cooperation between Bulgaria and Australia. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and the shared vision of a prosperous future.

#BulgarianAustralianBusinessCouncil #50YearsOfDiplomaticRelations #Sofia2022 #FriendshipAndCooperation #BilateralTies #Trade #Investment #Innovation #CulturalExchange #MutualGrowth #Prosperity

 Sofia 2022

ABIEs - Meeting of Heads took place at the Australian Embassy in Paris on the 4th and 5th of November, reuniting ABIE leaders across Europe to explore the best strategies to better help Australian businesses thrive throughout Europe and beyond.

Australian Trade and Investment Commission General Manager for Europe, UK and Israel, Jennifer Mackinlay joined the Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) network to discuss how they are supporting European investors to tap into Australia’s booming sectors - like advanced tech and space – and help connect Australian exporters to new partners in Europe.

 Paris 2022

News and Events | Bulgarian Australian Business Council

Annual General Meeting 2023

Members Only