OPEN LETTER

The Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) is a nationally responsible union working to create conditions for accelerated and sustainable growth, a competitive market, expanding economic freedom and encouraging entrepreneurship, creating modern models for business networks, limiting administrative pressure and state involvement in the economy, compliance with market rules and the principles of the rule of law.

BIA supports the efforts of the government and independent control bodies aimed at ensuring a transparent and competitive market, including the disclosure and limitation of unfair trade practices. At the same time, we are disturbed by the approach taken in recent weeks to create administrative, media and public pressure on Bulgarian enterprises in the field of food retail trade.

We insist that, in cases where violations of the regulations are found, the necessary sanctions be taken, as well as actions to prevent subsequent non-market practices. At the same time, public behavior should not go beyond the norms of generally accepted business ethics, create dividing lines between individual sectors of the economy and consumers, and send negative signals to local and foreign investors.

We note with concern that substantial proposals for changes in the regulatory framework are publicly announced, based on preliminary results of analyzes by the competent authorities, which may lead to distortions in business models and imbalances in the relations between market entities.

We appeal for a thorough impact assessment, taking into account the short- and medium-term effects of the proposed restrictions in various parameters of the pricing of specific goods and products, the extent to which they would achieve the intended goals, as well as the effect of the operation of similar mechanisms on the economy in other countries. The proposed measures should be discussed in a spirit of partnership, in a calm, professional and reasonable dialogue, with the participation of all interested parties.

We believe that achieving a sustainable, predictable and favorable business environment is a strategic goal of the Bulgarian society, which we should implement with systematic, structured, sustainable and above all market solutions. BIA works daily, persistently and persistently for this goal, as we have done for the past 43 years.

Management of BIA