site.btaCooperation Between Institutions, Business and Science Can Drive Accelerated Economic Growth, Says Bulgarian Industrial Association Chair

Cooperation between the state, business, local authorities, and science is the formula for accelerated economic growth, said Dobri Mitrev, Chair of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA). He opened the sixth edition of the forum "Business and the Regions: Acceleration", organized by BGlobal magazine in partnership with the BIA on Tuesday.

In his opening remarks, Mitrev emphasized the need for joint efforts and open dialogue among all stakeholders to identify common ground and shared priorities.

Beyond global conflicts and tariff restrictions, he described the environment in Europe, and in Bulgaria, as extremely uncertain and unpredictable, citing the burdens of European legislation, bureaucracy, heavy administrative pressure, and "extreme green and energy policies" that, in his words, lack clear financing plans or assessment of their final impact.

"Institutions are indebted to business," Mitrev said, urging government representatives to listen to the voice of entrepreneurs as "the most active part of Bulgarian society", in order to weigh the pros and cons and find a balance between public and economic interests.

The forum, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Sofia, brought together executives of major investors, academic representatives, and mayors to discuss opportunities stemming from the EU’s new industrial policy and Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the euro area, as well as ways for the country to benefit from them.