BBLF held its 10th-anniversary meeting with the diplomatic corps
Bulgaria is positioned for accelerated economic transformation, it emerged at the 10thannual meeting of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) with foreign ambassadors in Sofia. The anniversary edition of the initiative took place on 25 June 2026 at InterContinental Sofia and brought together representatives from the business community, the diplomatic corps, and government institutions for an open dialogue on key topics. The discussion explored opportunities to build a sustainable, competitive economy through innovation, digitalisation, and the growth of high-value-added sectors.
Irish Ambassador Catherine Bannon was this year’s diplomatic partner, and official guests included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivanka Tasheva, Deputy Minister of Finance Metodi Metodiev, Secretary General of InvestBulgaria Agency Julian Balchev, and Head of the European Commission Delegation to Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova. Ambassadors and senior diplomats from nearly 30 countries around the world attended the event, as well as owners and CEOs of over 55 BBLF member companies.
Anton Panayotov, President of BBLF, emphasized the role of responsible business as a key driver of economic growth and social development, as well as the association’s commitment to providing an exclusive platform for the exchange of experience and best practice among different sectors. In today’s changing world, Bulgaria has the potential to be more successful and more integrated into the EU and NATO, and it should realise that potential, BBLF Vice President Levon Hampartzoumian said.
Maxim Behar, a long-standing member of the BBLF Board and CEO of M3 Communications Group, who is the initiator and moderator of the annual meeting with the diplomatic corps, pointed out that for 10 years now, this format has been fostering valuable contacts and promoting the exchange of ideas for collaboration with partners across the world.
The event is traditionally organised in cooperation with a diplomatic mission; this year, it was the Embassy of Ireland. In her keynote speech, H.E. Catherine Bannon pointed out numerous parallels between Ireland and Bulgaria and emphasised the key factors that can serve as a solid foundation for this country’s economic development and prosperity– the stable government supported by a parliamentary majority; strategic geographic location; high-quality human capital; a developed entrepreneurial ecosystem; the potential for tourism development; as well as EU membership and the resulting benefits.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is contributing to Bulgaria’s economic transformation by developing digital diplomacy and establishing the country as a destination for high-tech projects, innovation, and skilled employment,” Ivanka Tasheva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said. In her words, active energy diplomacy and engagement in international organisations also play a key role in improving Bulgaria’s image as an attractive investment destination.
Metodi Metodiev, Deputy Minister of Finance, outlined the main priorities in the area of public finance– long-term stability, predictability, and sustainability.
Julian Balchev, Secretary General of InvestBulgaria Agency, highlighted this country’s competitive advantages as an investment destination and the active support the agency provides to investors.
In the ensuing discussion, members of the diplomatic corps and business leaders shared their experience and ideas on specific measures to stimulate investment and accelerate economic development.
The event was made possible with the support of golden partners: AbbVie; Astellas; BAT; DPM Metals; JTI; M3 Communications Group; Musala Insurance Broker; Schwarz Digits, Telematic Interactive; bronze partners: Amusnet and Gugushev and Partners Law Office; and partner White Water Bottling Company.
