Invest Sofia’s CEO outlined the Agency’s investment promotion priorities at the national business conference “Bulgaria 2027: The New Drivers of Growth”
Attracting new investors, retaining companies already operating in Bulgaria and supporting emerging businesses are three interconnected priorities for sustainable economic growth. This was emphasised by Dr. Maria Hristova, CEO of Invest Sofia, at the national business conference “Bulgaria 2027: The New Drivers of Growth”, organised by Lider.BG in strategic partnership with the University of National and World Economy (UNWE).
Dr. Hristova was among the leading participants in the panel discussion “Bulgaria’s New Investment Landscape”, which examined the country’s competitive advantages, regional investment potential and the conditions required to attract international capital.
She outlined two principal areas of Invest Sofia’s work: attracting and retaining international companies, and strengthening the local startup ecosystem.
“Attracting a new investor is a promise. A company’s decision to continue investing and expand its operations demonstrates that this promise has been fulfilled and that trust has been earned,” Dr. Hristova emphasised.
Particular attention was paid to reinvested earnings as an indicator of investor confidence. According to the figures presented by Dr. Hristova, foreign direct investment in Bulgaria reached approximately EUR 3.8 billion between January and August 2026, compared with EUR 1.9 billion during the corresponding period of the previous year. A substantial share of these investment flows consisted of earnings reinvested by companies already established in the Bulgarian market.
These developments underline the importance of policies that encourage existing investors to maintain and expand their operations. A predictable business environment, access to skilled labour, infrastructure quality and efficient administrative services are among the factors influencing long-term investment decisions.
Dr. Hristova also highlighted closer cooperation between businesses, educational institutions and public authorities as an essential condition for developing a competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through tailored investment assistance, the Sofia IS partner network and its support for startups, Invest Sofia helps companies access specialised expertise, establish business connections and identify opportunities for growth in the capital.
Promoting reinvestment is one of the Agency’s strategic priorities for 2027, alongside attracting international companies and supporting innovative entrepreneurship.
The conference brought together more than 400 representatives of businesses, public institutions, the diplomatic corps, the investment community and academia. Its programme focused on investment, artificial intelligence, automation, economic security and business resilience.
Participants included Angel Ivanov, Deputy Executive Director of the Invest Bulgaria Agency, and representatives of ABB, Ebury, EVN and ETEM. During the event, awards recognising contributions to Bulgaria’s economic development were presented to Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE; Eng. Plamen Panchev, founder of Trakia Economic Zone; and Kalin Kamenov, Mayor of Vratsa.
The conference concluded Lider.BG’s 2026 series of regional business forums.
