2005 Responsible Business Directory Launched with Flying Start

UK Ambassador to Bulgaria Jeremy Hill, whose country will take on the EU Presidency as of next month, was the one to receive the first English-language copy of the 2005 Responsible Business Directory produced by the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum.

BBLF's partners in this project were UNDP and BBLF Member the Bulgarian Charities Aid Foundation.

The first Bulgarian copy of the Directory was presented to Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Cobourg just a couple of hours after it came out of print.

Another Bulgarian copy was handed to education minister Igor Damyanov.

"With this Directory we aim to throw a different light on Bulgarian business and advertise Bulgaria all over the world as a country with a fast developing and yet predictable economy, governed by the rules of business ethics and fair competition," said BBLF Chairman Maxim Behar. "I hold no doubt that whichever government takes on the rule of the country, it will be business and not politicians that will lead Bulgaria into the EU."

The 2005 Responsible Business Directory holds the CSR Profiles of 70 Bulgarian and multinational companies doing business in this country. In addition to the updated contact information, there are also available the companies' practices in benefit of community, young people and education, employees, the environment, and the practice of business ethics.

"Building the Corporate and Social Responsibility is a crucial part of UNDP's work around the world," said Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative in Bulgaria. "This Directory proves that Bulgarian business is already acting on turning the principles of the Corporate Responsibility in action and is operating according the European and international standards of efficiency, productivity and ethics. I hope it till turn into inspiration for all on demonstrating how commitment to ethical business may be for the benefit of the people living in Bulgaria".

The edition is unique not only to Bulgaria, but also to the entire regions of Central and Eastern Europe. It has already been distributed among hundreds of Bulgarian and international BBLF and UN Global Compact partners, among all Bulgarian embassies and trade missions around the globe, among the institutions and foreign embassies in the country. Copies of the Directory have also received high-profile personalities such as The Prince of Wales, Helmut Kohl, Leh Walensa, Margareth Thatcher, Jorma Ollila, to mention but a few.

The Directory is also available and constantly updated on the BBLF website, at www.bblf.bg/csr.php.

For a copy of the Directory, please contact the BBLF Office.