On 27 January, Sofia Economic Forum VI was held, bringing together representatives of governments, business organizations, and leading economic experts to discuss key issues related to investments, innovation, and Europe’s economic resilience.
Mr. Angel Ivanov, Acting Executive Director of Invest Bulgaria Agency, took part in a panel discussion alongside:
Dimitris Skalkos – Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece
Panagiotis Mavridis – Member of the Management Board of Eurobank Bulgaria and Chairman of the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria
Roberto Santorelli – President and CEO of Santorelli AD and former Chairman of Confindustria Bulgaria
Ivan Mihaylov -Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
The panel was moderated by Solomon Passy, Founder and President of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria.
During the discussion, participants examined the differences between investment models in the United States and the European Union in fostering innovation. It was emphasized that the EU does not lag behind in terms of talent or entrepreneurial potential, but operates within a different social and institutional framework. The discussion highlighted the need for gradual and realistic reforms, including greater tolerance for honest failure and improved access to financing, to encourage high-risk innovation without undermining Europe’s social stability and fiscal discipline.
In his remarks, Mr. Ivanov underlined the importance of trust and strategic partnerships in the current geopolitical environment, as well as the need for Europe to focus on value-driven investments rather than relying solely on low production costs.
He highlighted Bulgaria as a country with tangible competitive advantages-namely a stable macroeconomic environment, a strategic geographic location, a well-educated workforce in technological and industrial sectors, and strong potential for the development of high value-added production.
The discussion also emphasized the positive impact of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area and the adoption of the euro, both of which enhance predictability and security for international investors.
The Forum stressed the need for:
faster investment decision-making and reduced administrative burdens;
stimulation of innovation through public and private financing;
development of human capital and attraction of highly skilled professionals;
strengthening of the European capital market and the establishment of a long-term industrial strategy.
Sofia Economic Forum VI reaffirmed its role as a platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors and for shaping practical solutions for the economic development of Bulgaria and the Southeast Europe region.
