At the beginning of the new term, which are the main priorities of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce?
ANSWER:-Being the oldest employers association in our country ,The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues its services and support to members and partners.Our natural environment is facing increasing challenges,due to geopolitical conflicts and competition,climate change,biodiversity loss and pollution.The fast development of new technologies brings new opportunities along with potential risks.These unprecedented challenges for all have led us to break new ground in our efforts for international cooperation and integration in order to strengthen the competitiveness of our SMEs.Trusting our members to turn risks into opportunities to spur investment and boost economic growth.
"BCCI – Center for vocational training, translations, consultations and company services" has a contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for provision of official translations. The approved translators are more than 100. A team of professionals was established to work in compliance with confidentiality. High quality translations are provided in various fields - economics, law, engineering, medicine, etc.
Providing the translation services we have organized complex customer service. We carry out all kinds of preliminary certification of private and corporate documents; translation; legalization at the Consular Department of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs; return of certified documents in person or by mail, incl. e-mail, in the country or abroad, according to the clients` needs.
Competitiveness and the twin transition. What is the contribution of CESE to the current discussion?
Our values and the rule of law are our compass,both internally and externally.We are encouraging our members to strengthen the basis for a long term competitiveness and contribute to improving the economic and social wellbeing of our society.
The World Bank released its Business Ready annual ranking, based on its updated survey of business conditions in 50 countries around the world. Bulgaria's economy profile reads that the country "allows business entry for domestic and foreign firms with minimal restrictions, provides transparent information (connection requirements, tariffs, complaint mechanisms, for water and electricity, and does not have many restrictions on digital trade". Bulgaria scores highest in Business Entry, Utility Services, and International Trade.
The country scores lowest in Taxation, Market Competition, and Business Insolvency. Within these areas, the economy does not request taxpayers’ feedback on tax reforms and procedures, lacks a regulatory oversight mechanism for state-owned enterprises from a competition perspective, and does not provide for specialized insolvency proceedings for micro and small enterprises, the World Bank's economy profile for Bulgaria reads.
As a member of the CESE External Relations Section, what is your position on the current trade policy of EU? Where to focus EU strategy on the next few years?
ANSWER:-Learning from our experience, we should not allow the undermining of the Single market initiative and our open markets. EESC points out the important role of World Trade Organization at UN and the pursue of an ambitious,open and sustainable trade policy that allows fair trade agreements,opens third country markets to EU companies,defends EU interests, allows resilient and reliable supply chains , develops and guarantees a true level playing field and creates new markets access opportunities. In an increasingly knowledge- and data-driven economy and a global and competitive market, the promoting of innovation and business-frendly environment will retain talent and can attract investments.
You are very active in Japan and South-East Asia. Which are the main opportunities for EU companies in these countries?
Regarding our long term collaboration with countries like Japan, China ,South Korea and other South East Asian countries, we succeeded in attracting investments from these countries and SMEs from both sides developed several successful joint venture projects during the years in the field of steel casting, havy machine building ,automotive components , food industries and tourism sector as well.
Good conditions for cooperation are also provided by the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Korea, as well as by the Digital Partnership Agreement which encourages cooperation in the production of semiconductors, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, platforms, data and skills.
11 Korean companies in the sectors of perfumery and cosmetics, medical equipment, light industry, consumer goods, agriculture, food and drink industry, as well as information and telecommunication technologies held more than 80 meetings with Bulgarian companies which show interest in cooperation with this country.
The EU – Japan and the Republic of Korea Business Hub Programme was presented by the Project’s team in Bulgaria For entering both markets, the Programme aims to finance small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are from the three key areas - the green sector and ecology, the digital solutions and the health sector, including healthcare and medical equipment.
Following the Programme, 10 business missions to Japan and 10 business missions to Korea will be organised within a period of 4 years. Each business mission will consist of 50 SMEs from the European Union. The aim is that they are innovative enterprises or start-ups with specific innovations. The period of implementing the Programme is 2024-2027.