The World Bank said on Friday Bulgaria could meet and even exceed economic growth forecasts this year.

The Bank will assist Bulgaria’s efforts to bolster economic growth, the Country Director for Central Europe and the Baltic Countries Ms Mamta Murthi said after talks with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Sofia, according to the government's press office.

The World Bank Group said in its Global Economic Prospects report released last week that Bulgaria’s economy will expand by 1.1% in 2015, a smaller increase compared to the 1.4% growth rate predicted for last year.

The government has forecast real economic growth of 0.8% in the 2015 budget bill.

Borisov said that improving the business climate, transport infrastructure, the quality of the workforce and maintaining macroeconomic stability are among the priorities of the coalition government that took office in November.

On Tuesday, representatives of the Bulgarian government and businesses held their ninth annual meeting in Sofia, focusing on potential opportunities for spurring the country's economic growth.

Ms Murthi and Borisov also discussed opportunities for boosting regional economic development.