Bulgaria Faces Key Discussion on OECD Membership on September 18
The opportunities that membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) would open up for Bulgaria will be the focus of a significant public discussion to be held in Sofia on September 18. The event, organized by the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, aims to examine membership as a powerful driver for attracting investments and achieving sustainable economic growth.
The forum, which will take place from 13:30 to 15:45 in the "Royal" Hall of the "Sofia Balkan Palace" hotel, will bring together representatives of state administration, local authorities, and key figures from Bulgarian business. The goal is to provide a broad platform for exchanging viewpoints and building a common vision for the benefits of joining the OECD – an organization often referred to as the "rich man's club".
High-level representatives from various spheres of economic life will sit at the negotiation table. Among them are Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Pavlov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Prof. Dr. Georgi Angelov, Chief Secretary of the Bulgarian Investment Agency Yuliyan Balchev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria Rumen Radev, and Chief Executive of the German-Bulgarian Industrial and Trade Chamber Sonya Miklai. Their presence underscores the importance of the topic and the inter-institutional nature of the efforts being made for membership.
The message, circulated by the organizers, states that the discussion will focus on presenting the progress Bulgaria has already achieved on the path to the OECD. This process is long and complex, requiring not only economic but also legal and institutional reforms to meet the organization's high standards. Such forums are essential for informing the public and engaging all stakeholders in this national priority.
The working language of the event is Bulgarian, which allows for a direct and informal discussion of issues of national interest. Simultaneous interpretation into English will be provided for foreign guests and participants, as well as for the media. This ensures that the messages and conclusions from the discussion will reach a wider international audience.
Participation in the forum is free, which opens the doors to a wide range of specialists and citizens. However, due to the limited capacity of the hall, the organizers require prior registration. Those interested must send their names and institution/position to the email address Events.BDI@Mfa.bg to secure a place. This approach highlights the exclusive nature of the event and the need for advance planning.
The forum is awaited with interest by economic and academic circles, which see Bulgaria's membership in the OECD as an opportunity to strengthen the market economy, increase transparency, and stimulate long-term economic growth. Discussing these topics in the heart of the capital, in a place known for hosting important diplomatic and business events, creates an atmosphere of seriousness and anticipation.