Sofia Investment Agency participated in the IPI forum “Time for Growth,” dedicated to competitiveness, institutional development, and the future of the Bulgarian economy.
Dr. Maria Hristova, Chief Executive Officer of Sofia Investment Agency, took part in the annual forum of the Institute for Market Economics (IME) — “Time for Growth,” which brought together leading economists, business representatives, public institutions, legal experts, and civil society leaders for a discussion on economic development, competitiveness, and Bulgaria’s long-term vision for growth.
The forum focused on the need for sustainable public policies, institutional stability, and an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and high value-added investments. Key discussions addressed the challenges facing European competitiveness, judicial reform, the modernization of public institutions, human capital development, and the role of technology in economic transformation.
During the discussions, Dr. Maria Hristova emphasized the importance of strategic reforms as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and investment attraction:
“For a country to be competitive, investments alone are not enough. It also needs functioning systems — an education system that prepares talent for the economy of the future, a sustainable healthcare model, and institutions that create trust and predictability. These are precisely the factors that determine whether a city can attract talent, entrepreneurship, and high-tech investment.”
Among the forum’s main panel discussions were:
- “The Age of Autocrats and the Fear of Falling Behind: Can Europe Preserve Freedom and Find a Path to Competitiveness?”
- “Justice, Power and Trust: How Can Bulgaria Overcome Its Deep Institutional Crisis?”
- “Bulgaria in Search of Growth: Which Policies Can Unlock Additional Potential?”
- “Speed or Substance: Bulgaria Between the Digital Leap and Institutional Fragility?”
The discussions featured Petar Ganev, Lachezar Bogdanov, Adrian Nikolov, and Petya Georgieva from IME, who presented analyses related to the investment climate, economic complexity, administrative barriers to business, and the need for long-term policies supporting sustainable development.
Particular interest was generated by the international discussion with Sarah Albrecht, who commented on the impact of strategic judicial decisions on the global economy, international trade, and the business environment amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
In his concluding remarks focused on personal initiative, freedom, and responsibility toward societal development, Krassen Stanchev highlighted the importance of active civic engagement and consistent reforms as drivers of economic progress.
Sofia Investment Agency’s participation in the forum is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to position Sofia as a regional hub for investment, innovation, and high-tech entrepreneurship. As an organization working actively with international companies, the startup ecosystem, academia, and institutional partners, the agency supports initiatives aimed at improving the business environment, developing human capital, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Sofia Investment Agency and the Institute for Market Economics share a common vision for a competitive economy built on knowledge, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and effective public policies.
Sofia continues to strengthen its position as a leading investment and innovation destination in the region — a city that creates opportunities for talent development, attracts international investment, and builds a high value-added economy.
