Welcome to the next in the FAS Spotlight webinar series:  Spotlight On Bulgaria and Romania.  This event will consist of a briefing by FAS Agricultural Attaché Jonn Slette and his staff in Sofia and Bucharest on the cultural, economic, political and trade policy environments in Bulgaria and Romania as well we the markets and opportunities in both countries.  They will be followed by two private sector experts on high-value products and bulk commodities.  MS Teams meeting link is below to join.

12:00 p.m. (EDT) Welcome: Associate Administrator Clay Hamilton

Introductions and Logistics: Moderator, Brian Guse, FAS Customer Engagement

12:15 p.m.  (EDT)  The Bulgarian and Romanian Markets: Jonn Slette, Agricultural Attaché, FAS Sofia and FAS Bucharest

1. Market overview of Bulgaria and brief introduction to FAS Sofia staff
2. Current economic, cultural, political and trade policy environment
3. Market overview of Romania and brief introduction to FAS Bucharest staff
4. Current economic, cultural, political and trade policy environment
5. Direct versus Indirect Trade: More than You Think!

12:30 p.m. (EDT) Private Sector Perspectives: Changing Landscapes for High-value Products and Bulk Commodities

1. Yuri Barutkin, U.S. Meat Export Federation Representative in Europe and CIS Countries: Developing High-value Sales in Bulgaria & Romania
2. Iani Chihaia, U.S. Soybean Export Council Regional Consultant South East Europe: Building a Preference for U.S. Soy--The Case for Bulk-product Market Development in Romania & Bulgaria

1:00 p.m. (EDT) Q and A: Open Discussion – Moderator, Brian Guse, FAS Customer Engagement

1:30 p.m. (EDT) Review and Closing – Moderator, Brian Guse, FAS Customer Engagement

For questions or concerns, please contact Brian Guse directly at brian.guse@usda.gov.

Microsoft Teams meeting.  Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Photos courtesy of  Colin Watts and Vasile Valcan, Unsplash.com