Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Nikolay Pavlov, held a meeting with Sofia Muñoz Albarran, Director of Resources, Inter-institutional Relations, Communication and Civil Society, and representatives of the European Commission in Bulgaria. It took place at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and was attended by experts from the institution, representatives of business circles and civil organizations.
The meeting discussed issues related to the EU’s Common Commercial Policy, the latest changes to it and the effects that these changes are expected to have on the European and, in particular, the Bulgarian economy, issues related to Mercosur, the completed negotiations with Mexico and Bulgaria’s accession to the OECD, and others.
During the talks, it became clear that at the European Union level there are a number of instruments aimed at building a more competitive environment and a more open European market. “We are at a historic moment with many challenges facing the EU, which is seeking to strike a balance between maintaining its open and dynamic economy, the need to protect national security and the protection of its economic interests vis-à-vis international partners,” Deputy Minister Pavlov stressed.
He stressed the need to accelerate the work on the preparation of a comprehensive and long-term vision for industry and the timely adoption of a long-term and strategic approach. According to him, the long-term approach of industrial policy should be based on the development and modernization of the competitive advantages of the European economy, namely key assets such as appropriate infrastructure, the EU’s innovative potential, well-functioning markets, a predictable and consistent regulatory environment, and effective governance.
During the discussion with representatives of business organizations and scientific communities, views were also exchanged on the common commercial policy, the EU’s relations with third countries and specific issues with the implementation of the climate change policy, and others.