Bulgaria has the available capacity and sufficient expertise to be recognised as a centre for IT development. We are among the countries with the fastest internet in the world and with a modern technology park. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shchonova at a forum ‘Cooperation for Regional Development and Growth’. Participants in the event discussed the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines on key issues that have an impact on the economy at national and local level.
Deputy Minister Shtonova added that digitalization for business is a priority area for support in the National Strategy for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises 2021-2027. In her words, stimulating the process of digitalization of the real economy is one of the objectives of the ongoing policy in the field of smart industry.
‘Joining the OECD is a key priority for the country and all steps have been taken to accelerate the process,’ Deputy Minister Shtonova said and defined as extremely important the discussion with a wide range of participants on the needs and priorities related to the economic development of the region.
She reviewed Bulgaria’s preparations for membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, noting that the country’s accession would be a step towards a sustainable and prosperous society functioning in a stable market economy and democratic governance.
In Shtonova’s words, the Ministry of Economy and Industry is among the most involved institutions in the process of Bulgaria’s accession to the OECD. She highlighted the Department’s hosting of three successful review missions this year — by the Corporate Governance Committee, the Trade Committee and the Steel Committee.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the good cooperation between the institutions, business and academia, as well as Bulgaria’s progress in the process of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The forum was organized by the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was attended by deputy ministers, regional governors, mayors, representatives of state institutions and business.