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From GBS’s Perspective: The Free Movement of People and Goods is a Key Driver for Enhancing Bulgaria’s Competitiveness
Overcoming transport infrastructure constraints and investing in digital infrastructure are key factors for accelerating Bulgaria's economic competitiveness.
The CEO of Glavbolgarstroy Holding, Emil Angelov, outlined two strategic approaches to improving Bulgaria's economic competitiveness in Southeast Europe and globally: the development of transport and digital infrastructure. Angelov shared this insight during the fifth edition of the Sofia Economic Forum, held on January 20 in Sofia.
Angelov participated in a panel discussion titled “Accelerating Economic Competitiveness in Bulgaria: Challenges and Opportunities,” which included representatives from the political and business sectors.
The Need for Strategic Investments
"Our country must focus on overcoming infrastructure barriers that limit the mobility of people and goods. This includes capital investments in roads, railways, ports, and airports, as well as creating favorable conditions for concessions and public-private partnerships," Angelov remarked. He emphasized that building reliable digital infrastructure is crucial, particularly to ensure equal access to information and services in remote areas.
Educational Reform and Addressing Demographic Challenges
Angelov stressed the need for reforming the education system to meet business needs and provide modern training for young talent. "Revising the concept of vocational training and aligning it with the real demands of the labor market is essential," he underlined.
Additionally, he called for optimizing legislation and administrative procedures to facilitate attracting qualified talent from abroad. Angelov also highlighted the importance of implementing effective and phased family policies and measures to encourage birth rates, tied to the education of the next generation.
Competitiveness Analysis
During the forum, Angelov presented data from the Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland, which ranks Bulgaria 58th out of 67 analyzed countries. He noted that the country has fallen 10 places since 2020 and 20 places since 2009, emphasizing the lack of progress over the past three years.
"Urgent measures are needed to focus on infrastructure investments, improving fiscal discipline, joining the Eurozone, and digitizing public services," he stated.
A Call for Public Consensus
Angelov expressed that achieving public consensus on key issues, such as political stability, legal certainty, and effective law enforcement, is critical for the country's future development.
International Context and Forum Highlights
The forum was opened by the founder and president of the Delphi Economic Forum, Symeon Tsomokos, and the Greek ambassador to Bulgaria, Alexis Marios Liberopoulos. The event brought together leading Bulgarian and international politicians, leaders, and entrepreneurs who discussed topics such as Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone, the role of foreign investments, migration management, and the impact of global changes on the regional economy.
Notable speakers included Maria Gabriel, Minister of Foreign Affairs (2023–2024), Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria (2012–2017), H.E. Irene Maria Plank, Ambassador of Germany, Sergey Stanishev, former Prime Minister and MEP, Solomon Passy, founder of the Atlantic Club, among others.