BBLF discussed Schnengen, the Juncker Plan, and improving the business environment with Vice PM Meglena Kuneva, Deputy Economy Minister Daniela Vezieva and InvestBulgaria Agency Head Stamen Yanev
„Businesses should take part in the decision making process on all key issues for the nation. You can and should impact the state”, said Meglena Kuneva, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU policies and institutional matters, at the Bulgaria from Schengen to Brussels discussion held by BBLF earlier today at Grand Hotel Sofia.
The agenda of the business breakfast that was also joined by Daniela Vezieva, Deputy Minister of Economy, and Stamen Yanev, InvestBulgaria Agency Executive Director included business prospects of the Juncker plan; economic benefits of Bulgaria’s 2018 EU Presidency; the judicial reform; fighting corruption and reducing the administrative burden on businesses.
The event was attended by more than 40 top managers of leading Bulgarian and international companies such as AstraZeneca, Dundee Precious Metals Chelopech, Aurubis, Raiffeisenbank, Walltopia, AIMS Human Capital, Deloitte, Japan Tobacco International, M3 Communications Group, AG Capital, Grand Hotel Sofia, Penkov, Markov & Partners, Hewlett-Packard, Shell, TMF Services, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Usit Colours, CEZ, Arnaudov & Uzunova, Stanton Chase, BIG, IBM, EBRD, Interactive Share and more.
„In addition to reputation – Schengen is a hallmark of quality and businesses know it so well, and the opportunity to have our borders at our own disposal, Schengen’s major advantage is security. The European Council is convening on 15 June and it will be then clear if Bulgaria is entering Schengen or postponed until the autumn”, she added. In her opinion the role of business associations and self regulation are especially vital to improving business environment. Kuneva urged companies not to forget the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU in 2018 and the prospects it offers and reminded that there is no deadline for projects under the Juncker plan.
„The Juncker plan is a challenge as it will develop public-private partnership that has only just begun in Bulgaria and boost innovation”, Daniela Vezieva, Deputy Minister of Economy stated.
„The Juncker plan is in fact a strategic investment fund focusing on projects with a sustainable effect on economy”, Stamen Yanev, InvestBulgaria Agency Executive Director said. In his words a steady dialogue with businesses is an excellent mechanism to improve the investment climate. He urged the attending managers to be an active partner and offer solutions to the challenges they face.
„The topics we are discussing today cannot be covered by a single event. Our aim is to introduce regular discussions as we are positive about the impact of a constructive dialogue between the private and public sector”, Iravan Hira, BBLF Chairman said.
Business leaders raised a number of issues related to the Public Procurement Act; private initiatives in education; state support for the education and qualification of staff; easing procedures to employ foreign citizens; promoting Bulgaria as an investment destination; proactive search of prospective investors; the judicial reform; establishing working groups of stakeholders in various industries to discuss pending issues.
Officials committed to continuing the dialogue with companies on all issues that need efficient and lasting solutions.
In line with its mission to engage key public figures for a positive social change, BBLF is holding a series of meetings with government bodies to ease partnership between them and companies operating in the Bulgarian market.
Bulgaria From Schengen to Brussels discussion was kindly powered by Penkov, Markov & Partners Attorneys at Law.
