Dr. Mitko Vasilev was awarded the title of "Doctor honoris causa" by the Technical University – Sofia

The Rector of TU – Sofia, Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov conferred the title of „Doctor honoris causa“ of the Technical University – Sofia on Dr. Mitko Vasilev. At the ceremonial event, the title was awarded to him by the Academic Council of TU – Sofia as a sign of recognition for his exceptional contribution and dedicated support for the development of cooperation between the Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management of TU - Sofia and the German-Bulgarian Industrial Chamber.

Dr. Mitko Vasilev graduated with a specialization in „Foreign Economic Relations“ from the Bruno Lohse Higher Economic Institute in Berlin in 1984. In the same institute, in 1990, he defended his dissertation and was awarded the academic degree of „Doctor of Economics“.

He is a prominent figure with a significant contribution to the development of bilateral economic, cultural, social, and educational ties between Bulgaria and Germany. His professional and academic experience spanning more than four decades includes key positions in various organizations that play an essential role in strengthening and deepening, above all, Bulgarian-German economic cooperation.

He began his professional career at the Bulgarian Industrial Economic Association (BIEA), currently the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, in 1984. He is a co-founder and head of the first of its kind in the world „Representation of the German Economy in Bulgaria“ from 1992 to 2004, and from 1995 to 2004 he was a co-founder and manager of the „Business Club of the German Economy in Bulgaria“. From March 2004 to March 2024, he was the CEO of the German-Bulgarian Industrial and Commercial Chamber, as well as the representative of the Free State of Bavaria in Bulgaria from 2003 to 2024.

Since 1992, he has been a guest lecturer at the Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management (FGEIM) at TU – Sofia in the subjects of „Marketing“ and „Innovation Management“. As a lecturer and scientific supervisor, he has had a significant influence on the education and professional development of many students. His role in the academic training of future specialists contributes to establishing the Technical University – Sofia as a significant educational and scientific center in Bulgaria.

Dr. Mitko Vasilev is a recipient of the highest state award in Bulgaria - the Order „Stara Planina“, first class, as well as the „Cross of Merit to the Federal Republic of Germany (with ribbon)“, the Award of the German Economy in Bulgaria, and the Honorary Badge of the city of Haskovo.

Currently, he is engaged on a voluntary basis in a number of organizations: He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FGEIM, Chairman of the Management Board of the Foundation „German-Bulgarian Meeting Center“, Plovdiv, he is a member of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Association of Balneology and Spa Tourism, and a member of the Management Board of the Foundation „Sts. Cyril and Methodius".

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Kralov, Deputy Rector for Academic Activities, Accreditation, and Academic Staff; Prof. Dr. Eng. Lidia Galbova, Deputy Rector for International Activities and Integration; Corresponding Member Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Todorov, Chairman of the General Assembly of TU – Sofia; the leadership of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management; faculty members from TU – Sofia; colleagues, relatives, and many of his friends.

After the ceremony, Dr. Mitko Vasilev delivered a public lecture on the topic: 'Economic Cooperation between Bulgaria and Germany: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities'.