Abstracted from Standart Daily

BY Nevena Mircheva

Q: Mr. Vassilev, how would you assess your performance in the last 4-5 months?

A: We have solved the larger part of the short-term problems, but we are still facing many challenges. Among our achievemnets the economic growth is the most tangible one. According to the recent data of the National Statistical Institute, it will be around 5-4.9 percent. Despite the global recession, the economic growth in Bulgaria hasn't slumped in the second half of the last year. On the contrary - during the last three months we have witnessed an increase. Moreover that the comparison is made with the rather favorable data of the last three months of the year 2000. The credit goes to the Bulgarian business, not the politicians. The businessmen in Bulgaria realized that financial stability in the country is a fact and in general the business climate is improving. Besides, in my estimation the corruption in the top echelon has been curtailed to a great extent.

Q:You started working with the intention to change the legislation considerably. What have you managed to do so far along this line?

A:In our projects the new Privatization and Post-Privatization Control Act is the key priority along with the Tourism Act and that regulating the deals with the compensatory instruments. The laws regulating public supply of securities, energy sector and exports insurance have been thoroughly repaired and approved by the parliament. The same applies to the Standardization Act and technical requirements to products.

Q:What are your other priorities for this year?

A:I uphold the thesis that the second year is crucial for any government. The key priorities of my ministry is to decrease the high trade deficit through aggressive stimulation of exports and draw heavy investors at home and abroad. If we manage it will a record-breaking achievement. We shall help the Energy Ministry, that was recently separated from the Ministry of Economy, to liberalize the market and to effect privatization of the major ventures in energy sector.

Q:What have you learnt as a minister?

A:This one of the most efficient ministries. If there were anything I would like to improve this is communication with the related agencies. Despite the fact that we work well with them now. Together with the Agency for Small and Medium Ventures we are preparing an ambitious program for small business development, while with the Foreign Investments Agency we are working out a new foreign investments act.

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