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Jan Krueckemeyer: International trade creates stability and increases prosperity for all

In a series of interviews, exporter.bg - Bulgaria's export site, will present the activities of the Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations (CITHA) and its members - an organization founded as far back as 1956.

Mr. President, would you introduce your association?

- The Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations (CITHA) was founded in 1956 as a small group of international trading companies in Scandinavia with the aim of meeting once a year to exchange information on their activities and to represent common interests.

In 1971, the so-called "Stockholm Club", which was soon joined by German and Dutch international companies, was given its statutes and a new name: CITHA was formally constituted as an international umbrella organization for national trade associations.

Today CITHA has 10 members with Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In 2005, by decree of the Ministry of Justice, CITHA became an NGO registered in Brussels and recognized by important international institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, UNCTAD, OECD, WTO and EU Commission.

We are committed to open, responsible international trade. Because we are convinced that international trade creates stability and increases prosperity for all. Especially now, when the major economic blocs are threatening to drift apart, we believe it is more important than ever to do everything we can to strengthen international trade and fight protectionism. It should be clear to everyone that we will only solve the major climate policy and geopolitical issues together.

What is your impression of the investment and business environment in Bulgaria? Would companies from your association invest in our country?

- In Bulgaria there has been on a positive development for several years although the Ukraine war and elevated inflation poses risks for robust growth. When it comes to key industries of Bulgaria, all developed sectors are definitely of interest for investments.

Given the current situation of disrupted and stressed supply chains, Bulgaria can be a real alternative to reduce risks in supply chains. Bulgaria has great potential in this regard due to its clusters in the automotive industry, among others.

Which Bulgarian goods would be well received in Western markets, in particular in the country you represent?

- All products that Bulgaria is already known for in export: fuels, fashion like e.g. clothing and footwear, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals. Not to forget the vivid and innovative IT environment with excellent products and services. This could be a hidden gem that many markets are not aware of yet.

I personally became a fan of Bulgarian wines. Viticulture has a long tradition here and Bulgaria is one of the largest wine producing countries in Europe. Unfortunately it is still hard to find one of those delicious Pamid, Merlot or a Rkatsiteli wines in Western Europe.

By Dimitar Dzhenev

(Expect interviews with presidents of associations from other CITHA member states who, together with Jan Krueckemeyer, visited Bulgaria during the Confederation's annual meeting.)