site.btaEconomy Minister Confers with OECD Deputy Secretary-General Takeuchi

Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov conferred with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Deputy Secretary-General Yoshiki Takeuchi at the OECD headquarters in Paris on Wednesday, the Economy Industry reported. The sides discussed Bulgaria's progress in the accession reviews in the areas where the Ministry has a leading role, by the technical committees on corporate management, trade, consumer protection, and steel.

Bulgaria has concluded 11 out of the planned 25 technical reviews, two of which are by the committees on steel and on consumer protection. It became clear at the meeting that Bulgaria is determined to complete the technical phase of the accession process by the end of 2025 or early 2026 and to receive a formal invitation from the OECD Council for accession later in 2026.

Dilov noted that the Government considers Bulgaria's accession to OECD a key foreign policy priority, and active work is carried out on making that happen. "The benefits of joining the OECD are indisputable. I am confident that the adoption of the values and best practices of the organisation will send a strong signal to trading partners and international investors. This will be a guarantee for their trust, will increase the attractiveness of our country for foreign investments, will contribute to sustainable economic growth, increase competitiveness and development of a number of sectors," the Economy Minister said.  

He said that Bulgaria is working actively on the application of all OECD recommendations, with a focus on investment policy, counter-corruption, environmental policy, and corporate management - a field in which the national efforts are coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Takeuchi said that the OECD values the progress achieved by Bulgaria and the efforts made by the country and the Economy Industry on the path to the OECD.