site.btaBulgaria and Greece Can Be Attractive Destinations for Skilled Workers Worldwide, Says Deputy PM

Bulgaria and Greece have the potential to become attractive destinations for skilled workers worldwide, leveraging their beautiful nature and picturesque towns, said Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev. He was speaking during a business forum organized by the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sofia on Thursday, with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) as the event's partner and host.

"We have a unique opportunity. For the economy of the future, talent is key, and talent moves not just where there are big universities or industrial parks, but also to places that are beautiful and offer a good quality of life," Donchev said.

He emphasized that both countries, endowed with stunning landscapes, cities, and villages, have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent. "Our societies, our cities, and villages are, for the most part, a great place to live," he added.

Donchev highlighted the existing trust between Bulgaria and Greece as a foundation for building stronger economic ties. He pointed out areas of complementarity between the two countries, including a well-developed services sector, high-value tourism, excellent port infrastructure, and a strong IT sector in Bulgaria.

"The economies of Bulgaria and Greece can complement each other perfectly. Greece has a powerful fleet and a robust tourism industry, while Bulgaria’s growing industrial sector, especially in IT, presents great opportunities for synergy," Donchev noted.

The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the need for bold adoption of new technologies, criticizing the EU’s tendency to regulate first, while countries like the U.S. and China take the lead in investing in emerging industries. "The future economy will revolve around innovative energy extraction, creating new materials, and making the impossible possible. This is where we must focus our efforts, and as members of the EU, we should work to improve the Union," Donchev stated.

Addressing labour shortages, Donchev asserted that migration alone will not solve the problem, citing the experience of the past decade. "We must be brave and not let prejudices hold us back. For example, we shouldn’t avoid developing a military industry just because it's not 'pretty.' It’s an industry, and if we don’t produce it, someone else will," he concluded.