Meeting with representatives of the World Bank

The President of BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov met with Knut Leipold, Lead Procurement Specialist at the World Bank. World Bank experts responsible for projects in Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Poland also took part in the meeting. The main purpose of the visit was to prepare general assessments of the public procurement system in the country.

BCCI has supported the World Bank’s proposals to improve the economic environment in Bulgaria. Attention was drawn to the most significant obstacles for businesses in the country – the administration and the related corruption, the often changing legislation.

With regard to public procurements, Simeonov pointed out that according to a survey of the Chamber, the main problem remains the non-transparent tenders, the winner of many of which is often predetermined. Digitalization and increased control over the execution of contracts are key for improving the efficiency of public procurement.

During the meeting, it was announced that BCCI is planning a major survey among its members on the issue related to public procurements in Bulgaria and the access of SMEs to them. The Chamber also expressed support for projects of the World Bank which will reduce bureaucracy and improve the efficiency of public spending.