United States Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its mission in Bulgaria on October 10 2007.

USAID mission worked for 17 years in Bulgaria and invested more than $600 million (423.9 million euro), BGNES news agency reported.

The mission was established in Bulgaria in 1990 to help Bulgaria’s transition towards a democratic society and trade economy. USAID mission aimed at stimulating the competitive trade economy, transparent and responsible authorities, civil society, and to stimulate and improve living standards in the country.

More than 100 municipal information and service centres, help for a stable bank sector, more than 50 000 microcredit grants and the opening of more than 130 000 work places list among USAID achievements.

USAID administrator and United States Foreign Assistance director Henrietta Fore, as well as US ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle attended the ceremony.

Beyrle and USAID/Bulgaria Mission Director Michael Fritz delivered speeches.