site.btaBulgaria's Aspiration to Join OECD Is on Agenda of Minister Liliyana Pavlova during OECD Forum

Paris/Sofia, April 24 (BTA) - Bulgaria is ready to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and is expecting its roadmap for preparation and opening the accession talk chapters, Liliyana Pavlova, the government minister in charge of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, said in Paris Tuesday. Speaking at the opening of a high-level OECD conference, she said that Bulgaria's position is clear and constructive and that her country enjoys the support of the EU member states.

Pavlova represented Bulgaria at the OECD forum dedicated to Southeast Europe and the new programmes for reforms and competitiveness in the region.

She recalled that Bulgaria has been seeking OECD membership since 2007 and has proven through the years that it is committed to the founding principles of open market economy, democratic pluralism, will for reforms and respect for human rights.

During an upcoming visit to Sofia by OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria for an informal ECOFIN on April 27-28, he will be offered additional information about the action Bulgaria has taken as it aspires to join the organization.

Pavlova pointed out that Bulgaria has an economic growth of 4 per cent, unemployment below 6 per cent, external debt below 26 per cent, a significant fiscal reserve and close to zero budget deficit.

Before the opening of the forum Pavlova conferred with Angel Gurria and discussed with his Bulgaria's aspiration to join the OECD. The two sides concurred that during the years of EU membership Bulgaria has proven capable of delivering on its commitments.