The General Assembly of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) elected new governing bodies - National Council, Management Board and Control Board. During the meeting, the priorities in the activities of BICA for the period 2025 - 2028 were approved.
Mr. Rumen Radev, long-time Deputy Chairman of the Board and Minister of Energy (2023 - 2024), was elected Chairman of the Management Board, and his deputies will be Daneta Zheleva, Kiril Boshov , Kancho Stoychev and Stefan Chaykov . The Management Board also includes Bozhidar Neychev, Kiril Zhelyazkov, Lyubomir Chakarov, Mariana Iteva , Sofia Argirova-Atanasova, Stefan Vassilev and Teodora Pehlivanova.
Rumen Radev takes over from Mr. Vasil Velev, who is among the founders of BICA and was its chairman for 23 years. Under his leadership, BICA has established itself as a leading employer organization in Bulgaria, actively defending the interests of business and participating in the preparation and implementation of key economic and social policies. During this period, the Association expanded its membership base, strengthened the dialogue with institutions, contributed to the improvement of the business environment in the country and established itself as a spokesperson for the real manufacturing sector. At the end of last year, these achievements were honored with a special sign by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Vasil Velev was unanimously elected Chairman of the General Assembly of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association, and was awarded a special award as a sign of appreciation by the members.
"We must not lose our bearings, and that is the common interest of the members of the BICA. Our task is to protect and develop the Bulgarian economy. Over the years, the tasks of the association have grown, not decreased. I believe that the BICA will continue to develop and strengthen," said Vasil Velev.
"Over the years, the priorities of the association have been systematically implemented and we cannot help but be proud of this. It is important to continue the dialogue to exchange views, this allows for informed decision-making and successful policy-making," said the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BICA Rumen Radev.
The General Assembly also approved the priorities in the activities of the BICA for the period 2025 - 2028. Key among them are the promotion of investments, improving the business environment, education, ensuring financial and energy stability in the country. Among the main focuses are measures to increase the competitiveness of the economy, reduce the administrative burden on business, stimulate innovation and recalibrate the Green Deal.
A leading topic in the priorities of the BICA is Bulgaria's preparation for entry into the eurozone. It emphasizes the need for a stable and predictable economic policy that would ensure a smooth transition to the euro and create conditions for long-term financial sustainability. In this context, the BICA insists on more effective control over inflation, prudent management of public finances and strengthening the confidence of businesses and citizens in the accession process.
Energy is also among the key priorities. It calls for sustainable solutions for the country's energy security, with an emphasis on transparency in price regulation and ensuring predictability for the industry. An important element in the proposals is the development of an effective automatic compensation mechanism for enterprises that are severely affected by the extremely high prices of electricity and natural gas. BICA proposes that this mechanism be structured in a way that supports businesses in periods of energy crisis without creating long-term fiscal risks.
BICA also places emphasis on the development of human capital. The association insists on urgent reforms in the education system, aimed at a closer connection between vocational and higher education and the needs of the labor market. Measures are proposed to promote dual training, qualification and retraining programs, as well as the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises.
BICA emphasizes the need for effective social dialogue and strategic partnerships between business, unions and the state. Sustainable economic growth, attracting new investments and increasing incomes in the country are achievable only through consistent and coordinated actions of all stakeholders.
