BCCI President Participates in EC “Civil Society Trade Seminar: Looking East”
Direct VAT taxation and taxation of financial transactions cannot be accepted by Bulgarian companies experiencing the hardships of the crisis
The President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tsvetan Simeonov is the only Bulgarian representative invited to speak at the seminar organized by the European Commission “Civil Society Trade Seminar: Looking East”, which started in Warsaw.
The event is hosted by EC Directorate-General for Trade and discusses EU trade policy and its practical effects on stakeholders in Central Europe and how it will contribute to achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.
A number of non-governmental organizations, consumer associations, trade unions, business and professional associations will participate in the seminar. The role of civil society in EU trade policy-making will be discussed.
BCCI President, Tsvetan Simeonov presented the position of Bulgarian non-governmental business associations on the “Benefits of EU Trade Policy”. He outlined Bulgaria’s achievements in the conditions of economic and financial crisis, especially the low state debt and budget deficit and the expressed concerns about refraining from investments. In his speech Mr. Simeonov paid special attention to the effectiveness of European officials and, at the same time, the intention to impose direct VAT taxation and taxation of financial transactions. These two taxes cannot be accepted by Bulgarian companies experiencing the hardships of the crisis.
The setting of the seminar in Warsaw during the Polish EU Presidency is an opportunity to increase the involvement of the EU 12 civil society organizations in the EU trade policy processes. Opportunities for future cooperation with countries from the East will be sought.