site.btaEconomy Minister Loukarski Presents Investment Opportunities in Bulgaria to French Business

Economy Minister Loukarski Presents Investment Opportunities in Bulgaria to French Business

Paris/Sofia, April 15 (BTA) - On the sidelines of the opening of
"The Saga of the Thracian Kings" exhibition at the Louvre,
Economy Minister Bozhidar Loukarski addressed representatives of
leading French and Bulgarian companies in Paris Wednesday,
stating that besides the millennial history and cultural
heritage of Bulgaria it is particularly important to hear more
about the country's efforts in the economic sphere, investments
and trade. The Minister unveiled a Bulgarian-French business
forum titled "Bulgaria's market: investment and business
opportunities". The event was organized by the Business France
agency, Loukarski's ministry said.

French Minister of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir said
at the opening of the seminar: "Bulgaria and its rich cultural
heritage have been the subject of admiration at the Louvre since
yesterday, let our economic ties also be promoted."

"The French brands of Decathlon, Schneider Electric, Total,
Carrefour and the Accor chain are already known in Bulgaria, but
we should admit it is still an unknown market for French
partners," Desir said, commenting on its strategic location for
the EU which is an advantage for the French companies.

Loukarski underscored that the two countries enjoy not only
flourishing political, cultural and historical relations, but
also beneficial trade and economic cooperation. The Economy
Ministry's main priorities will be to promote an export-oriented
and competitive productions model, a key factor for which is
boosting trade relations and the attraction of investments,
Loukarski said. The macroeconomic and financial stability, which
unlike other countries Bulgaria managed to preserve after the
crisis, are good conditions in this process. The political
stability achieved by the incumbent government in a relatively
short time in no less important to boost investor interest.

Underscoring the awareness that matters related to the supremacy
of law and the efficiency of the judicial system, reduction of
corruption practices and fair competition are no less important
to foreign investors, Loukarski assured the forum that the
Bulgarian government is introducing reforms with determination
and that this is already giving results.

Electronics and electricity engineering, IT, outsourcing,
chemical and pharmaceutical industry, machine-building,
transport and logistics, agriculture, tourism and health care
were among the sectors Loukarski quoted as opportunities for
investment. There are also real opportunities for expansion of
French investments in Bulgaria in the energy, water and waste
management sectors, construction of infrastructure, food and
organic farming in particular, wine industry.

Both Loukarski and Desir underscored the importance of
initiatives like this forum to promote dialogue between official
institutions and business circles in the two countries, to
their mutual benefit.

Participants in the forum included InvestBulgaria Agency CEO
Stamen Yanev and the CEO of Bulgarian Small and Medium-sized
Enterprises Promotion Agency Marieta Zaharieva.