Minister Karadimov: Bulgaria's accession to the OECD is a key national priority

Bulgaria's accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is a key national priority. Regardless of the political instability in the country, there is a definite political consensus on the importance of our membership in the Organization, continuity in the implementation of this policy, and we are working actively and purposefully to achieve this strategic goal. This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Rosen Karadimov, at a meeting with the Secretary General of the OECD, Matthias Cormann, at the headquarters of the organization in Paris. The two discussed Bulgaria's progress on the recommendations in the accession process on the topics for which the Ministry of Innovation and Growth is responsible - digital economy and investments.

The Secretary General of the OECD, Matthias Korman, expressed his satisfaction with what was achieved in the process and confirmed that Bulgaria is expected to join the Organization in the fall of 2025.

"Your words are extremely encouraging and stimulate us to work even more actively to implement the recommendations. The benefits for Bulgaria of the accession are indisputable and the reforms we are making as a result of them will unlock the potential of the Bulgarian economy, increase the economic growth and competitiveness of our economy and bring us international trust. Bulgaria's membership will also benefit the OECD, because it will expand the scope of your policies and research in South-Eastern Europe," said Minister Karadimov.

He emphasized that the country's membership in the Organization will increase foreign investments in our country and will contribute to maintaining sustainable economic growth and development of innovations in a number of sectors. Also, joining the OECD would significantly improve Bulgaria's economic authority on the world stage.

"The OECD label is synonymous with stability, reliability and commitment to progressive economic policies. This will not only attract more foreign direct investment, but will also reassure existing investors of Bulgaria's long-term economic vision and stability," said the Minister of Innovation and Growth.

Karadimov emphasized the recommendation of the Organization to strengthen the capacity of the Bulgarian Investment Agency and explained that the Ministry of Innovation and Growth is developing measures that will guarantee the development of the Agency and its transformation into a modern structure.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Krasimir Yakimov, the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Bulgarian Development Bank Delyana Ivanova, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to France Radka Balabanova, the Director of the Directorate "Policies and Analyzes" in the Ministry of Innovation and Growth Mira Yosifova, as well as experts from both countries.

Later today, Minister Karadimov will present Bulgaria's national position regarding progress on the recommendations made within the 94th session of the OECD Committee on Digital Policy.