Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum‘s exclusive event once again brought together representatives of various sectors for a fruitful dialogue
The new edition of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum’s Annual Meeting with the Ambassadors brought together today the responsible business community, the diplomatic corps and the institutions for an open dialogue on topical issues. The event is being held for the 8th year, this time under the motto Bulgaria and EU Elections Follow Up. The prestigious event was joined by CEOs and senior managers of more than 40 BBLF member companies and partners, ambassadors and economic attachés of more than 35 countries in the EU and beyond, and high-ranking representatives of the public sector at Bulgarian and European level.
Each year the meeting is organised in cooperation with one diplomatic partner, this time it was the Embassy of Belgium, and Belgian Ambassador Frederic Meurice gave a keynote speech. Official guests were Petko Nikolov, Minister of Economy and Industry, Nevyana Miteva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Teodor Stoychev, Head of the European Parliament Bureau in Bulgaria, and Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the Permanent Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria.
Levon Hampartzoumian, BBLF President, and Anton Panayotov, BBLF Vice-President, also took part in the event. Maxim Behar, BBLF Board member, opened and moderated the lively discussion.
This BBLF initiative provides an exclusive opportunity for the business community to meet and converse with the ambassadors of Bulgaria’s major existing and potential economic partners and share experience and ideas for future partnerships.
The meeting was powered by golden partner BAT Bulgaria, silver partners JTI, Electrohold, Astellas, M3 Communications Group, bronze partners Alaric Securities, Roche, Dundee Precious Metals Chelopech, Amusnet and partners Unique Estates, Gugushev & Partners Law Firm.
At the opening, BBLF President Levon Hampartzoumian pointed out the significance of cooperation between the private and public sectors in creating afavourable environment for sustainable economic progress and prosperity. "Success is not a given, one works for it every single day, and business is well aware of that. The current situation of global changes and challenges is a chance to use our full potential and make the right decisions."
Belgian Ambassador Frederic Meurice highlighted the priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, including the protection of the rule of law, democracy and unity; strengthening competitiveness; efforts for an ecological and just transition; strengthening the social and health agenda; protecting people and borders; and promoting a global Europe. He also drew attention to the contribution of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum and its member companies to the positive changes in this country over the last 25+ years.
Petko Nikolov, Economy and Industry Minister, summarised the ministry’s priorities: economic and financial stability, Bulgaria's accession to Schengen, the euro area and the OECD, digitalisation and circular economy, vertical connectivity and logistics, industrial zones. He highlighted the consensus among business, public sector and educational institutions on the need to develop human capital: a long-term solution that will make our country part of Europe's innovative future.
Nevyana Miteva, Deputy Foreign Minister, underlined the continuity in the country's foreign policy with an emphasis on maintaining the Euro-Atlantic course and deepening economic relations.
Teodor Stoychev, Head of the European Parliament Bureau in Bulgaria, focused on the European elections held a few days ago and pointed out the next steps in the construction of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
In the discussion that followed, business and diplomats had the opportunity to exchange views, ideas and recommendations. Among the main highlights were Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen, the adoption of the euro, integration into the OECD and other steps that would improve Bulgaria’s standing as a good place to do business, work and live in.
Photos of the event: BBLF official Facebook page.
