As part of the celebration of AmCham Bulgaria’s 30th Anniversary Gala, held on June 5, 2025, at the National Museum of History, the evening featured reflections from distinguished business leaders who have shaped the Chamber over the past three decades. These speeches marked key moments in the program and emphasized the long-term values, leadership, and partnerships that define the AmCham community.
A Message from the Past Presidents
Borislav Boyanov, AmCham Bulgaria President (2006–2008)
The formal program opened with a speech by Borislav Boyanov, who addressed the audience on behalf of the former Presidents of AmCham Bulgaria. His remarks acknowledged the vision of the Chamber’s founders and emphasized its role in promoting transatlantic business, supporting democratic values, and standing firmly for fairness, the rule of law, and good governance.
Read his full remarks below:
“Distinguished guests, members, and friends of AmCham Bulgaria, good evening.
It is a great honour to speak on behalf of my fellow former Presidents. Thirty years ago, visionary Bulgarians and Americans planted the seeds of a thriving business community. They believed that by building bridges between our two nations’ businesses, we could foster prosperity, understanding, and friendship. Little did they know how far and how strong that bridge would become.
Over the past three decades, our Chamber has been a cornerstone of the U.S.–Bulgarian partnership, serving as a bridge for American investors and Bulgarian businesses alike. Together, our members have created thousands of jobs, brought new technologies, and nurtured a generation of business leaders. We stood together through historic milestones and became one of the strongest business organisations in Bulgaria.
We have always championed the rule of law and democratic values that underpin a healthy business climate. We know that a thriving economy rests on fairness, transparency, and strong institutions. AmCham has stood up for these principles – urging reforms, promoting fair competition, and insisting on good governance – because business thrives when justice and integrity prevail.
Tonight is not just about looking back; it is about looking forward with hope and determination. The world has changed dramatically, and it will change even more. But one thing will remain constant: our Chamber’s dedication to partnership, progress, and principles. To the current and future leaders of AmCham Bulgaria, we – the past Presidents – pass you the torch with confidence; keep it burning bright. Continue to be bold advocates for a better business environment and stay as champions of our shared values. We still have a lot to do.
In closing, I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey: our members for believing in this community, our partners in the Bulgarian government and the U.S. Embassy for standing by us, and our dedicated staff for being the heart and soul of the Chamber.
Thirty years on, our Chamber is stronger than ever and full of promise. Let us celebrate this anniversary as one team and step into tomorrow inspired by what we have achieved together, determined to achieve even more.
Happy 30th Anniversary, AmCham Bulgaria!
Thank you.”
Reflections from a Former Executive Director
Valentin Georgiev, Executive Director (2002–2016)
Following the address by the past presidents, Valentin Georgiev, who served as Executive Director of AmCham Bulgaria for nearly 15 years, took the stage to offer personal reflections on the Chamber’s evolution, its team, and its future potential.
His full speech is available below:
“It wasn’t an easy journey — but it was a journey.
Full of challenges.
Full of hard work.
And with hard work, success should follow.
We’ve had great membership.
We’ve had great leadership.
And most importantly — a great team.
That team is all of you.
Let me share one moment from this journey that really stood out to me.
We had just wrapped up a particularly successful event. Afterward, the team came back to the office to debrief.
One of my colleagues said, “Everything went very smoothly.”
Then they showed me the feedback from the participants. And the participants said:
“There is no doubt — this event was great.
And the reason is: the Chamber is not just an organization. It is an institution.”
That was very flattering.
Now, the years ahead — they’re for you, the members.
your support and with evolving leadership — I’m looking at Ivan and his team — I am confident that they will continue this work.
To make the American Chamber not just one of many institutions — but the institution.
The one that leads.
I’m also very happy to see many of our partners from other foreign chambers and Bulgarian business associations here.
You’ve shown what it means to work with government — to enter into dialogue, to argue when needed, and in the end, to deliver meaningful results.
So let me say this again:
The Chamber is an institution.
And the sky is the limit.
You can do it.
Happy anniversary.”
Reflections from Longstanding Partners
Later in the evening, Ruslan Papazyan, General Manager of Curtis Instruments, shared remarks on the company’s 35 years in Bulgaria and three decades as an AmCham member. His message underscored the value of AmCham as a platform for business collaboration and looked ahead to Bulgaria’s evolving role in Europe.
Read his full remarks below:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends and Colleagues,
It is a true honor to speak here tonight on behalf of Curtis Instruments, one of the companies that has proudly stood alongside the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria since its inception 30 years ago.
At Curtis, we celebrated our own 35th anniversary in Bulgaria just recently, and over the years, AmCham has been more than an institutional partner; it has been a platform for connection, collaboration, and progress — and for that, we are deeply appreciative.
This 30th anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but a meaningful marker of a moment in time. Now, I know I may not be the tallest speaker you’ll hear tonight — but I come with an elevated optimism for what’s to come. Bulgaria stands today with the real prospect of joining the Eurozone. This transition signals a maturing identity on the European stage. And we, as businesses, are proud to be part of this journey.
Looking ahead, I believe the next 30 years should be about driving innovation and recognizing the strategic value of Bulgaria — not just as a cost-effective location, but as a hub of talent, resilience and flexibility.
On behalf of Curtis Instruments and our team, I extend sincere congratulations to the American Chamber of Commerce — and heartfelt thanks for the continued partnership.
Thank you.”
Closing the segment of member reflections, Atanas Furnadzhiev, General Manager of Moto-Pfohe, addressed the audience on behalf of one of the companies that has been part of AmCham since its inception. His remarks focused on the Chamber’s commitment to high standards of business ethics and institutional dialogue.
Below is the full text of his speech:
“Dear friends,
Thirty years – that’s a long time. And I want to express my deep gratitude to AmCham for all the hard work it has done over these three decades.
I truly believe that the American Chamber of Commerce has been both a pioneer and a guardian of business ethics in Bulgaria. It has set the standard – and upheld it – even through the most challenging times.
I’d also like to thank all the committees that have been part of AmCham. Your efforts have not only supported the business community in Bulgaria but have also built strong bridges between Bulgaria and the United States. You’ve fostered meaningful dialogue and cooperation, including with successive Bulgarian governments and parliaments.
As a key architect of a strong business environment, AmCham has a vital role to play in the future. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, I believe it is essential to uphold business ethics at the high level that is expected – a level that reflects the values of the like-minded leaders who are proud members of the American Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you.”