Measures to enhance trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and the USA were discussed by Economy Minister Bojidar Loukarsky and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA here HE Marcie Ries at a meeting held in the Ministry of Economy today. The Minister acquainted the Ambassador with the priorities of the Bulgarian government in the economic field and shared impressions of his recent working visit to the USA and the meetings held with representatives of business there.
Minister Loukarsky emerged as main obstacles facing American investors in Bulgaria the non-compliance with Bulgarian legislation , the instability of our judicial system, frequent changes in basic laws, administrative burden and the many regulatory regimes, creating conditions for corruption pressure. He assured the Ambassador that the top priority for the government is to establish a stable and predictable legal and regulatory environment. Ambassador Ries welcomes the government’s efforts in this direction. She pointed out that one way to achieve greater transparency is the introduction of e-government, including in the sphere of public procurement. Minister Lоukarsky stressed that the introduction of electronic tenders has been already considered.
Minister Loukarsky voiced confidence that negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will be successfully completed and new opportunities for trade will be opened , particularly for small and medium enterprises. He shared with Ambassador Ries the idea of merging Bulgarian small and medium-sized companies in order to step together on the US market. In that respect, Ries invited Loukarsky, along with representatives of Bulgarian companies, to take part in the SelectUSA forum , which will take place in Washington on March 23-24 and will offer a possibility for foreign investors to meet representatives of the US business and Government.