site.btaBulgarian Industrial Association Marks 45th Anniversary

Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) Chair Dobri Mitrev gave a speech Friday during the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the association in Sofia. He said that during that period BIA has been not just part of economic life, but an active participant.

"Today, in the difficult times that the world is facing, in a world that is experiencing incredibly rapid change and turbulence, in a world where the problems are global but we have to make the decisions locally, we promise that we will continue to be a voice of business, a voice without correction, without editing. A voice - meaningful, strong and above all free," Mitrev said.

He pledged that the the association will continue to be a predictable and fair partner and stressed that Bulgarian business, Bulgarian entrepreneurs need an organization like the BIA.

President Rumen Radev pointed out that since the beginning of his mandate he has been actively working with the BIA and stressed that he has always been impressed by its solid expertise in all sectors of the Bulgarian economy, its active engagement with socio-economic issues and ‘insightful vision for the development of the country’. He also noted the BIA's contribution to building a bridge between business, institutions, education and society. He highlighted BIA's role as a valuable partner and corrective to government institutions and an important participant in structural social dialogue.

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova argued that the BIA - established in a time of a different type of economy and political system, surviving and experiencing times of transition, of social, economic and social change - is currently the most established entity among employers' organizations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Innovation and Growth Minister Tomislav Donchev noted that he and the BIA representatives have often had disputes, but pointed out that there should always be consensus on issues related to economic development policies, increasing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.

The head of State presented the BIA Chair with the President's Badge of Honour for the association's contribution to the development of the country's modern economy, as well as for the fruitful cooperation with State institutions in the interest of business and citizens.