Chungnam National University, Korea is now a partner of Invest Sofia. The Agency signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with one of the leading universities in Korea. The document was signed by the CEO Dr. Maria Hristova PhD. and Prof. Rhee, Byungchae – Dean of the College of Economics and Management at the university.
Chungnam National University was established in 1952 and offers various international programs through special exchanges with nearly 500 universities worldwide, among them St. John’s University. It is also a member of the University of St. Kliment Ohridski. Our partnership would contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem in Sofia by introducing international experience and scientific approach, establishing cooperation between the two countries in organizing accelerator programs, exhibitions, conferences, etc.
Invest Sofia took part in the fifth edition of the Sofia Economic Forum. Our CEO Dr. Maria Hristova PhD. joined the event organized by the Delphi Economic Forum.
The focus of the forum was on the strategic challenges and opportunities for Bulgaria and South Eastern Europe. Among the main topics were “Increasing Bulgaria’s Economic Competitiveness”, “The Role of Foreign Investment”, “Energy Potential of South East Europe” and “Circular Economy”.
The Sofia Economic Forum is a high-level meeting of the most influential Bulgarian and international political, corporate and intellectual leaders to address the pressing challenges facing Bulgaria, Europe and the world.
The Bureau of the European Parliament in Bulgaria invites all interested young people between the ages of 16 and 30 to apply by January 30th, 2025 for the International Charlemagne Prize, dedicated to the development and integration of the EU and issues related to European identity. A national jury in each EU country selects one project and then the top three are chosen from the shortlisted projects. The first prize is valued at €7,500, the second is worth €5,000 and the third €2,500.
Projects can focus on organising various youth events, youth exchanges or internet projects with a European dimension. They must meet the following conditions – promote cooperation and understanding in Europe and internationally, foster a shared sense of European identity and integration, offer practical examples of how Europeans can live together as a united community. Representatives of the 27 selected national projects will be invited to an award ceremony to be held on 27 May 2025 in Aachen, Germany.
Full information about the competition can be found
here.
Invest Sofia joined the first meeting of the year of the Business Club “50 reasons more”. Our CEO Dr. Maria Hristova PhD took part in the event, organized by our partners from Young Talents, where they presented information on the upcoming initiatives and events of the platform to support job search and placement, career development, training and mentoring of mature professionals with over 20 years of work experience.
Through a series of events our partners from the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Faculty. The beginning was set in January with a special meeting organized by the FEB Foundation, which supports the development of the faculty.
At the event, the achievements and the vision for its development were presented. The Faculty of Economics at Sofia University was reestablished in 1990 after a 40-year forced hiatus. Invest Sofia has been a partner of the faculty since 2021.
“The main factor for the outflow of foreign investments in Bulgaria is the unstable political situation” – said the CEO of Invest Sofia Dr. Maria Hristova PhD. in the program “Good Morning Europe” on Euronews. She talked about specific investor inquiries the Agency has been working on over the last year and about our various initiatives to support business.
See the full interview in the following link:
Euronews – Експерт: Несигурната политическа ситуация гони чуждестранните инвеститори
Dr. Maria Hristova, CEO of Invest Sofia with an interview for bTV Radio. “The investment projects that the Agency consults and supports are increasing. In the last year they have been in industries such as food production, ICT, shared services, technology and others. Inquiries have come from investors from Germany, Lebanon, the United States, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom,” she said on the programme “About the City” with presenter Georgi Mitov. The full interview can be heard at the following link:
Dr. Maria Hristova, Executive Director of Invest Sofia, in an interview with BNR:
“In the last 15 years Sofia has established itself as an undisputed economic leader. In addition to 40% of the economy, 19% of the country’s population is concentrated in the capital. In 15 years, the average wage in the city has risen three times, and at the end of 2023 it has passed the psychological limit of BGN 3,000.” In an interview with Spas Kraynin on “Before All”, Dr. Hristova presented our new edition “Sofia – Business Destination” and some of the initiatives of Invest Sofia to support the development of the capital’s economy. Listen to the whole conversation in the link to the news.
https://bnr.bg/post/102090500/ikonomikata-na-sofia-70-pati-po-golama-ot-tazi-na-oblast-vidin
The new edition of “Sofia Business Guide” is already a fact. The economic guide for 2024 is available on the official website of Invest Sofia. More than 100 pages with useful information, analyses and forecasts for all aspects of the economy of Sofia Municipality. “Sofia Business Guide” has been prepared together with our partners from the Institute for Market Economics, who have once again provided analysis and data on the economic and investment profile of the capital.
Invest Sofia participated in the annual tax conference organized by Deloitte.
Our Executive director, Dr. Virginia Stoyanova PhD., joined the event where expert analyses were presented on the latest developments in tax regulations and key legislative changes for 2025.
Deloitte in Bulgaria is one of the leading organizations providing professional services in the areas of audit, tax law, risk management and financial advisory services.
A memorandum of cooperation between “Skillo” EOOD and Invest Sofia. The cooperation agreement was signed by the Managing Director of the company Hyusein Tyurkmen and our CEO Dr. Maria Hristova PhD. Skillo is a company specialized in outsourcing IT projects, corporate training, IT recruitment, as well as providing innovative technologies and strategic consulting services for digital transformation.
The company’s mission is to help businesses grow and adapt to dynamic market conditions through advanced technologies and customized solutions. The company offers a variety of HR and business consulting services that can be of great benefit to companies looking to enter the Bulgarian market.
Among the services that Skillo will offer pro bono to investors who have sought assistance from Invest Sofia are human resources analysis, which includes a one-hour free consultation and initial analysis of the company’s structure and needs, preparation of a support plan, which includes the development of a market entry strategy, recruitment, office opening, and assistance with legal and operational matters.
The Investment Council of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its General Assembly.
Invest Sofia is a member of the Council and the event was attended by the chief expert of the Investment Analysis Department, Dr. Lyudmil Ivanov PhD. The structure at the BCCI was established in 2017.
Its members include private investors and funds, banks, financial institutions, organizations, state and municipal funds and investment agencies. The General Assembly adopted a report on the Council’s activities for 2024 and a programme for the coming year.