Established 1992 · Istanbul Secretariat

Business cooperation across the Black Sea

An international, non-governmental council representing the business communities of 13 member states — working to improve the regional business environment and attract investment.

13Member states around the Wider Black Sea Area
1992Founded to connect regional business communities
NGOIndependent, non-profit platform for private sector dialogue
IstanbulInternational Secretariat of the Business Council
Who we are

A unique advantage for regional business

01

Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) Business Council is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 1992, with the aim of lobbying and acting for the continuous improvement of the business environment throughout the Black Sea region to the benefit of the local business people and to help attract foreign investment. The International Secretariat of BSEC Business Council is located in Istanbul, Türkiye.

BSEC member flags
02

Representing the business communities in the 13 Member States (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine), the BSEC Business Council aims to promoting business cooperation and regional integration in the Wider Black Sea Area, as well as integration into the global business system.

Regional cooperation
03

What is needed today is a greater cooperation and coordination between the business communities of different countries. Dialogue is the key to sustained growth and progress. In this context, the BSEC Business Council offers a unique advantage.

Black Sea
04

The BSEC Business Council is a body under the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). BSEC is a regional international organization focusing on multilateral political and economic initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation, peace, stability and prosperity in the Black Sea region. It traces its origin to 25 June 1992, when leaders of eleven countries gathered in Istanbul and signed the Summit Declaration and the “Bosphorus Statement”. BSEC Headquarters – the Permanent International Secretariat of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC PERMIS) – was established in March 1994, also in Istanbul.

BSEC member flags
05

With the entry into force of its Charter on 1 May 1999, BSEC acquired international legal identity and was transformed into a full-fledged regional economic organization: Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. With the accession of North Macedonia, the Organization’s Member States increased to thirteen (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine).

Regional cooperation
Mandate

Where the Council focuses

The Council represents business communities across the Wider Black Sea Area and works for regional integration as well as integration into the global business system.

01

Business climate

Advocate for a more predictable, open and investment-friendly environment for companies operating across member states.

02

Regional dialogue

Connect chambers, employers’ organizations and business associations so cooperation can move from statements to projects.

03

Trade & connectivity

Support practical work on logistics, trade facilitation, innovation and financing instruments available in the region.

13 member states

A market around one sea

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

From the archive

News and events

Selected activities published on the current site, restyled as a living feed.

Logistics workshop
Workshop

Logistical Cooperation Workshop

First event of the Turkish chairmanship, organized with DEİK and UTİKAD on the Middle Corridor and smart connectivity.

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