“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the driving force behind the green and digital transition in Europe. In today’s dynamic business environment, it is essential for these enterprises to be flexible, innovative, and efficient in order to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth” This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Dontcho Barbalov, during an Information Event organised by the Executive Agency “Bulgarian Accreditation Service” to mark both its professional holiday and World Accreditation Day. This year’s event was held under the theme “Accreditation in Support of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.”
During the conference, Deputy Minister Barbalov emphasised the vital role of accreditation in the economic life of the country. “Accreditation plays an extremely important role by facilitating the exchange of goods and services. Its main purpose is to protect the end consumer, to ensure they are confident in the quality they receive,” said the Deputy Minister of Economy.
According to him, achieving a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and resilient circular economy, as well as strengthening sustainability, requires the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises in these processes. “Certification under standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 contributes to improving consumption and energy efficiency, as well as reducing costs and environmental impact,” Barbalov stressed.
He extended congratulations to the “Bulgarian Accreditation Service” for its dedicated work, noting that over the years, the agency has demonstrated its ability to carry out accreditation activities objectively, independently, and impartially – thereby enhancing efficiency, ensuring quality, and fostering innovation. “The agency’s achievements in establishing accreditation as an increasingly important activity that guarantees safety and trust in goods and services offered on the market are beyond dispute,” he added.
In conclusion, Barbalov assured the organisers, participants, and guests of the event that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will, as always, remain an active partner and will continue to provide institutional support in meeting existing challenges.
The event was attended by representatives of the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance, the Union of Metrologists in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology, and others.