The President of the BCCI took part in the IOE Europe and Central Asia regional meeting

As а rotating president of the Association of the Organizations of the Bulgarian Employers /AOBE/ for 2023, Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took part in the IOE Europe and Central Asia regional meeting, held in Tbilisi, Georgia in the period 28-29 September 2023. Representatives from more than 30 countries took part in the meeting, and on behalf of the Bulgarian employers, Maria Mincheva, vice-president of the BIA, also participated.

The main topics which were discussed during the meeting include migration, skills shortages, productivity growth, wage increases, and economic headwinds.

IOE Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia Blaise Matthey opened the session by outlining the regional dynamics facing employers and the need to work together to address them collectively.

Shalva Tskhakaia, Georgian Employers' Association Board Member, gave an update on the employment and economic situation in Georgia. He underscored the immense significance of GEA's participation in the global IOE network.

Each participating organisation also presented the current labour and employment climate in their contexts and the issues hindering economic growth. There was widespread agreement that skills shortages and mismatches as well as wage increases are presenting important obstacles to full employment. 

IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suarez Santos then provided a detailed overview of the priorities and upcoming activities for 2024. Issues surrounding due diligence and business and human rights were also reviewed within the international, European, and regional context. Participants shared their assessment of the impact of EU directives related to due diligence on local businesses and expressed concerns that it would have a negative effect on companies. 

Additionally, the meeting featured two sub-regional roundtable discussions focusing on the Adriatic and Caucasus regions.

Additionally, within the framework of the visit to Georgia, the President of the BCCI held a meeting with the Head of Trade and Commercial Section of the R Bulgaria in Georgia - Krasen Balev and discussed the current circumstances and the prospects for economic cooperation with Georgia in the future. They also noted the remarkable growth of Georgian economy in recent years. Tsvetan Simeonov presented the development of the Chamber` and its system throughout Bulgaria and the improvement of services for the business.