The contribution of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) to the enlightenment of the Bulgarian economy, addressing the shortage of personnel, improving competitiveness and accelerating the process of Bulgaria's accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), was highlighted at the opening of the event "Responsible Business Conduct - the Path of the Entrepreneur", organized by the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (BSMEPA), in its capacity as National Contact Point, by Mr. Borislav Gutsanov, Minister of Labor and Social Policy, and by Ms. Zornitsa Rusinova, Chairperson of the Economic and Social Council.
Mr. Stefan Chaykov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recalled that it is an active participant in the international dialogue for sustainable development and responsible business conduct, and that it will continue to actively work for the accelerated accession of our country to the organization, as well as for the creation of a favorable environment in which Bulgarian enterprises can implement sustainable and socially responsible business models.
Since January 1, 2018, the Association of Bulgarian Employers' Organizations (AOBE), of which BICA is a member, is part of the Business Advisory Council to the OECD (BIAC) . This partnership provides an opportunity for the exchange of good practices and strengthening the positions of Bulgarian business on a global scale. Mr. Chaykov, who is the lead coordinator of the AOBE's participation in BIAC, emphasized that the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association in Bulgaria is already actively supporting SMEs in the transition to sustainability through consultations on planning, financing and implementing green solutions, training for green skills and adaptation to new standards, as well as the development of green models and green cards by position. He emphasized the fruitful cooperation with BSMEPA and its Executive Director and Head of the National Contact Point, Mr. Boyko Takov.
The event featured a study by the Bulgarian Institute of Business Administration (BIBA), implemented under the project "A Comprehensive Approach to Ensuring Motivated Qualified Human Resources". It shows that the main difficulties facing small and medium-sized enterprises include limited administrative and expert capacity regarding sustainable development, lack of access to green financing, lack of information and expertise, and lack of green skills.
"Responsible business conduct is a key factor for the sustainable transition of companies to a greener and more competitive economy," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova, Secretary General of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association, presenting the initiatives of the Bulgarian Business Association in support of business, including the development of measures to promote responsible entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing sustainable practices. They are part of Bulgaria's overall efforts and contribute to the promotion of the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.
During the discussion, the challenges faced by Bulgarian companies in the process of adapting to new regulations and sustainability requirements were discussed. "Small and medium-sized enterprises are not just present in the economy - they drive it. Without them, the sustainable transition cannot happen. They need partnership - with the state, with financing institutions, with educational and technological providers. The transition must be made with them, not despite them. For this, it is important to give them a clear path, training and access to resources," said the Secretary General of the BICA.
She emphasized that Bulgaria's membership in the OECD, along with our country's admission to the Eurozone, is among the most important priorities for Bulgarian employers' organizations. Thanks to the work and long-term efforts of the OECD, Bulgaria expects to soon receive an official invitation to join. The OECD Business Council has repeatedly emphasized its full support for our country's membership in the organization.
The event brought together representatives of business, government institutions and experts in the field of sustainability, who discussed topics such as the role of the state in relation to responsible business behavior; the path of the entrepreneur and financial opportunities for businesses aimed at creating a social and ecological business environment.
Application:
Presentation of BICA research on the topic "Are SMEs ready for the transition to sustainability? Green skills needed?"
