Bulgaria's Economy, Energy and Tourism Minister Traicho Traikov held a number of meetings with representatives of Canadian and American companies during his working visit to Canada and the United States.

In Canada Traikov discussed joint production of parts for electrical cars with officials from the Hydro-Quebec firm.

The talks with SNC Lavalin focused on cooperation in infrastructure. In addition to providing expertise, SNC Lavalin, which is an engineering company, may also invest in infrastructure projects in Bulgaria, Traikov said.

The modernization of rail transport in Bulgaria was high on the agenda of Traikov's talks with officials from the Bombardier company.

Traikov also held talks at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange about the possibility for products from the Bulgarian market to be traded on their platform.

On the second day of his visit to the United States Traikov discussed opportunities for cooperation with Mary Roberts, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Trade & Investment, of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Traikov's Ministry said in a press release Saturday. Traikov set out Bulgaria's advantages as an investment and tourist destination and the big potential for cooperation between DCEO and the InvestBulgaria Agency. A program will be designed on Traikov's initiative for exchange of expertise and officers between DCEO and the Bulgarian Economy, Energy and Tourism Ministry.

In Chicago Traikov also conferred with Vice President of Boeing, Rick Girsback [name may be misspelt] and with Motorola Corporate Vice President, Brenda Herold. The Bulgarian Minister spoke about Bulgaria's potential for business and investment, with particular stress on the opportunities for outsourcing. Traikov invited Boeing to consider participating in the privatization of the Sopot, Central Bulgaria, ordnance plant.

Traikov also conferred with Thomas Clear, Chief Economist at the Federal Bank of Chicago. On the agenda were the economic situation in Bulgaria and the United States and the measures the two countries undertake to boost their economies.

Source: BTA