PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN THE NORTH-EAST REGION OF BULGARIA

This paper presents a study of the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North-East region of Bulgaria. Companies from different sectors participate and share what difficulties they have encountered in the process of carrying out international activities. The competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises is considered. Different opportunities to support the internationalization of regional small and medium-sized enterprises have been demonstrated. A list of recommendations on actions has been made to promote internationalization.