Experts in Ruse discussed how Schengen, the eurozone and globalization affect business

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry turned 135. It was established on April 15, 1890 in Ruse and is the first Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. On the occasion of the anniversary, the economic forum "Business Horizons 2025" was held today at the Regional Library "L. Karavelov". The participants discussed the topics of Schengen and new trade opportunities for business; the Eurozone and how to prepare for the upcoming financial environment; global challenges and opportunities for Bulgarian and Ruse businesses.

Mayor Pencho Milkov was among the panelists who had to answer questions from representatives of institutions, businesses and economic circles about the opportunities facing the economy of the region and Bulgaria in the context of the modern global and European environment. The guest of the event was also the Deputy Mayor for "International Programs and Projects, Investments and Property" Zlatomira Stefanova.

The panel also included Tsvetan Simeonov - Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Lyubomir Datsov - financial expert, former Deputy Minister of Finance and current member of the Fiscal Council of Bulgaria, as well as Yulian Balchev - Secretary General of the Bulgarian Investment Agency.

"The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an organization with which the Municipality of Ruse works almost daily, and from which we learned many good practices. It has become an important factor in building bridges between business, state and local institutions and society. Therefore, with great respect, I thank the team and specialists in the chamber for everything they do for the development of business in Ruse," said the mayor. He emphasized that the local administration is constantly proposing various projects to the ministries, with which it has managed to draw the state's attention to Ruse. Milkov expressed hope that private entities will soon also start building public buildings, as entrepreneurs in our country have done in past centuries. In connection with the global changes in international relations, he emphasized that he is for the free movement of goods and capital, but puts the well-being of people first.

Lyubomir Datsov stated that in his opinion the number of tourists in Ruse will increase by 20% after our entry into the Eurozone.

Julian Balchev expressed his extremely good impression of the architecture of Ruse and the Easter decoration of the city. He commented that Schengen opened another door for business in Ruse. Balchev recalled that the Bulgarian Investment Agency since 2004 has had 14 certified projects in the Ruse region for over 400 million leva, which have opened over 3,000 jobs. In the last 5 years alone, there have been 7 certificates for 94 million leva and over 700 new jobs. He thanked the local administration for creating favorable conditions for business development.

Small business representatives called for decentralization in the state, which would help companies outside the capital. Company owners insisted on more connectivity between education and business, in order to have prepared personnel who are trained to work with modern technologies.

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