Bulgaria is more ready for accession to the EU than the ten newcomers to the bloc upon their entry in 2004.

In a face-to-face meeting with industrial businesses from the European Round Table (ERT), Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev declared his government's commitment to wrap up all pre-accession engagements.

Bulgaria will work even stronger to set up a friendlier business climate here, the premier stated in a cutting-distance manner of speaking fluently English.

He admitted there are still fields to expect results from, such as the judiciary system, infrastructure and communications development and administrative capacity. But we are on the right track and will learn from the experience of EU10 latest member states, Stanishev pointed out.

The forum of ERT put forward also tentative issues in the field of education and healthcare, urged the government to further cut the red tape, protect the intellectual property rights and adopt steps to reduce the VAT rate.

Under-financed education system and brain drainage are creating shortages of skilled workers, noted Baron Daniel Janssen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Solvay S.A. While praising Bulgaria's tremendous achievement in the single market area, he stressed on the need of a strengthened dialogue between the government and the private sector, including a more sector-based approach.

Over the last seven years, the ERT has held annual meetings with three Bulgarian governments, putting forward a different view on the country's desirable steps towards business and economic progress.

The European Round Table is a forum of some 47 European industrial leaders aiming at promotion of the competitiveness and growth of Europe's economy.

Since its creation in 1983, ERT has contributed significantly to an improved dialogue between industry and governments, at both national and European level.

Companies of ERT members cover a wide range of industry sectors, with headquarters situated in 18 countries of Europe. Their combined turnover is EUR 1,500 B, employing about 45 million people worldwide.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!