Bulgaria and Indonesia: 70 Years of Relations, People and New Opportunities
On the 30th of September 2026, Manpower Bulgaria brought together business representatives from Plovdiv and the surrounding region at DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center for the event “Bulgaria and Indonesia: 70 Years of Relations, People and New Opportunities”.
The event built on the discussions initiated in Sofia in May 2025. Following the strong interest in the first meeting, we brought the discussion to Plovdiv, connecting local businesses with experts from Indonesia to explore opportunities for recruiting and integrating international employees.
The meeting also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia, with a focus on employers’ current needs and the practical aspects of international recruitment.
Labour shortages remain a challenge for many companies in Bulgaria. The discussion therefore covered the entire process of recruiting employees from Indonesia, from candidates’ profiles, preparation and expectations to recruitment, hiring and successful integration into Bulgarian companies.
Representing Manpower Bulgaria in the discussion were Plamen Makaveev, Executive Director, and Mari-Izabel Kuneva, International Recruitment Coordinator. They shared practical insights into the different stages of international recruitment, from identifying workforce needs and selecting suitable candidates to administrative procedures, arrival and integration in Bulgaria. Particular attention was also given to the principles of ethical recruitment and the importance of a clear and responsible process for both employers and candidates.
The experts from Indonesia focused on the candidates themselves, including their profiles, preparation, motivation to work in Bulgaria and expectations of future employers. They also shared insights into cultural differences, work attitudes and adaptation to a new environment, helping Bulgarian companies gain a better understanding of the people who could become part of their teams.
The meeting in Plovdiv provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and gain a better understanding of the opportunities international recruitment offers Bulgarian businesses. Through this initiative, Manpower Bulgaria continues to connect employers with people and opportunities beyond borders and develop solutions tailored to the actual needs of the labour market.
We would like to thank all business representatives and experts who joined the meeting and shared their experiences and perspectives.
