273 proposals for administrative measures in the interests of industry and the public have already been collected
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev held a working meeting with representatives of employers’ organizations and ministries, dedicated to measures for reducing the administrative burden and regulatory regimes. The central focus of the discussion was the concrete steps needed to build a more effective administration capable of supporting business development, investment and innovation.
“Reducing the administrative burden is our priority. It is important: for the public, for industry, for business and for municipalities, that we have a functional, efficient administration that meets the contemporary needs of business, does not obstruct innovation and competitiveness, and helps the economy grow in a sustainable and smart way,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
He recalled that the initiative is being implemented in fulfilment of the priorities set by Prime Minister Rumen Radev for improving the business environment. Poulev noted that at the first session of the Investment Promotion Coordination Council, the main topic had been precisely the reduction of the administrative burden, and the Prime Minister had set a clear objective to accelerate the reform and introduce a mechanism for regular accountability.
He said the reform must not be viewed as a political slogan, but as a real process to be delivered in partnership and through ongoing dialogue with business. The Deputy Prime Minister called on employers’ organizations to engage actively with practical proposals, stressing that business is the natural partner of the state in this endeavor.
“We are extending our hand for active and constructive dialogue,” he said, addressing the business representatives. “We are firmly committed to this as a priority and want to work together with you, the people who know the needs of industry and of small and medium-sized enterprises, to find the best solutions,” Alexander Poulev stressed.
He presented the steps taken so far in preparing the reform. Instructions have been sent to all ministries to identify the units with relevance to the administrative burden, as well as the experts who will participate in the process of analysis and preparation of proposals.
“We already have feedback from the ministries. Seventy-three experts within the administration will support us in this endeavor. We have received analyses from the various ministries, and 273 proposals for administrative measures in the interests of industry and the public have now been consolidated,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
The meeting revealed that proposals have already been received from a total of 16 ministries and 26 agencies and administrative bodies. The largest share relates to measures aimed at the digitalization of administrative processes, 102 proposals, followed by 101 proposals for single-collection data gathering, and proposals for shortening administrative service timelines and introducing innovative technological solutions.
He stressed that both the expert team and the proposals collected are only the starting point of the process. Following the presentation of the initial analyses, individual meetings with employers’ organizations will take place to discuss specific proposals concerning particular administrative regimes.
Those present at the meeting agreed on the need for the reform to be delivered through ongoing dialogue between the state and business, with a focus on concrete measures that will lead to a genuine reduction of the administrative burden, a better regulatory environment and greater competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.