site.btaInnovation Minister: Bulgaria Joining OECD Is Key National Priority

Bulgaria's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a key national priority, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Rosen Karadimov said at a meeting with OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann in Paris on Tuesday. Despite the political instability in the country, there is a strong political consensus on the importance of the OECD membership and continuity in the implementation of this policy. The caretaker government is working actively and purposefully to achieve this strategic goal,  Karadinov noted, as quoted by his Ministry.

The sides discussed Bulgaria's progress on the recommendations in the accession process on the topics for which the Ministry of Innovation and Growth is responsible: digital economy and investment. The OECD Secretary General expressed satisfaction with the achievements in the process and confirmed that Bulgaria is expected to join the organisation in autumn 2025.

"The benefits for Bulgaria of joining are undeniable and the reforms we are making as a result will unlock the potential of the Bulgarian economy, increase the economic growth and competitiveness of our economy and bring us international credibility. Bulgaria's membership will also benefit the OECD because it will broaden the scope of your policies and research in South-East Europe," Minister Karadimov said. He underscored that the country's membership in the OECD will increase foreign investment in Bulgaria and will contribute to maintaining sustainable economic growth and developing innovations in a number of sectors. Also, joining the OECD would significantly improve Bulgaria's economic standing on the world stage.

The meeting was also attended by the Bulgarian Development Bank's National Council Chair, Delyana Ivanova, Bulgarian Ambassador to France Radka Balabanova, and experts from both countries.