Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated before members of the American Chamber of Commerce (ACC) in Bulgaria that our country will only succeed in accelerating its economic growth if the environment is freed from corruption. He made the statement during a business breakfast organized by the ACC for government and chamber representatives, held at the "Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia".
The Prime Minister once again emphasized that a core goal of the cabinet is to change the country's economic model. According to him, the model based on consumption and low wages is already exhausted and does not foster development. Instead, the government is betting on high productivity, a knowledge-based economy, greater competitiveness, increased investment attraction, a better business environment and investment climate, as well as conditions for higher economic activity.
"If successful, we will increase the size of the gross domestic product and propel the country's economy into a different orbit," Radev commented.
Before the ACC guests, he announced that the discussion regarding legislation for public-private partnerships is nearing its conclusion. The government plans to build the country's strategic infrastructure through concessions and public-private partnerships. The Prime Minister linked the rapid improvement of connectivity to regional development, overcoming imbalances between regions, addressing demographic issues, and boosting economic activity in the country.
"We will strive to raise funding from capital markets and funds, so that we can involve private capital and its initiative," he added.
Radev also turned his attention to the foreign policy that the cabinet is actively pursuing. "We do not view strategic infrastructure projects as being confined within the country; instead, we have brought them into the realm of European and global policy as part of pan-European and transcontinental corridors," the Prime Minister said.
According to him, Bulgaria is becoming a hub for these processes and is participating fully in the dialogue regarding the future of Europe, as well as in relations with what he called a key strategic partner—the United States of America. The Prime Minister was categorical that this change is not solely related to the country's geographical location, but also to the government's active policy toward European institutions for the development of connectivity.
"Bulgaria must finally truly take advantage of its geographical position," he added.
Addressing the business community, Radev also touched upon the cabinet's work on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. He placed emphasis on the implementation of the set reforms, rather than just the funding attracted through the plan.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister was adamant that the change of the economic model can only occur through close cooperation between the state and the business community.