Barriers to business round table event
The British Embassy and the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted a round table discussion on 5 March 2013.
The British Embassy and the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) jointly hosted a round table discussion at the ambassador’s residence on 5 March 2013. The discussion was chaired by Catherine Barber, Deputy Head of Mission, and twenty members of the BBCC and the embassy took part in a lively debate on the real issues facing business in Bulgaria. The topics of discussion included:
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the importance of creating a positive climate for investment – both through improving Bulgaria’s image with foreign investors, and creating a more predictable legal environment to improve investor confidence and make it easier to do business
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tackling a widespread perception of corruption and lack of transparency around the public procurement process – including access to information, bribery of public officials, kickbacks and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws
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reform of public administration - by supporting open competition for job vacancies, training, competitive wages, and career prospects (stability through changes of government) - in order to attract and keep good people
Specific proposals for next steps, where the embassy and the BBCC can work together, include:
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supporting government efforts to create a more positive image of Bulgaria as an investment destination
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working cross-chamber to identify and recommend on changes to legislation (eg commercial code, labour code, tax legislation)
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policy support for the new government in administrative reform, including broader adoption of e-government, through the next round of EU operational programmes 2014-2020