Representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) gathered with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) - Burgas at a forum that focused on the critically important topic "Social Dialogue in Support of a Strong Business Voice". The event, which attracted significant interest, brought together representatives from various spheres of public life - local authorities, business, and academia.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of BCCI, Dobri Mitrev, made a strong appeal to entrepreneurs to be more active in highlighting their problems. "Your recommendations and criticisms should reach the people on whom their resolution depends. If the issues are not within the competence of the local authorities, seek us," Mitrev stated emphatically. His speech was met with obvious approval from those present, whose interests were clearly expressed in the need for effective dialogue.
Other key figures from the BCCI leadership also participated in the forum, including the vice-chairpersons Maria Mincheva and Stanislav Popdonchev, as well as Yavor Zhekov, who represented Burgas on the Board of Directors of the organization. From the CCI - Burgas, Chairman Georges Dereliev, Vice-Chairperson Vidka Valcheva, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Romania Eugenia Popescu, and the Deputy Mayor for Budget and Finance of Burgas Municipality Stanimir Apostolov were present. The lively discussion was also enriched by representatives of the higher education institutions in the city - the universities "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" and the Burgas Free University.
During her presentation, Maria Mincheva offered a detailed look at the history and structure of BCCI. She emphasized that the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded on April 25, 1980, which makes it the oldest national representative association of Bulgarian industry. Mincheva explained that the organization is managed by a General Assembly, a Board of Directors, and a Supervisory Board. The Chamber's network is impressive, including 136 sectoral and 27 regional organizations, 114 local business structures, as well as collective members, such as scientific and university organizations, along with individual companies.
Mincheva highlighted the achievements of the Chamber, emphasizing its active role in the abolition of the paper work book and the long-term efforts for Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone. She stressed the importance of social dialogue between employers, the state, and local authorities as a key factor for the successful resolution of common business problems. However, she expressed concerns that fewer and fewer companies are showing interest in participating in public procurement, which, according to her, is related to a feeling of a lack of transparency.
The Vice-Chairperson of CCI - Burgas Vidka Valcheva also expressed concern, noting that the organization's members do not actively use the opportunities provided by the Chamber. The forum is part of a series of regional initiatives of BCCI aimed at strengthening social dialogue and improving business representation in the country. Such events are vital for maintaining a dynamic and effective business climate.