经合组织投资政策审查 ： 保加利亚

OECD Investment Policy Review: Bulgaria

Executive Summary

The OECD Investment Policy Review of Bulgaria evaluates the investment climate for both domestic and foreign investors in the country. Utilizing the OECD Policy Framework for Investment, the review examines trends in foreign investment, their socio-economic benefits, foreign investor entry and operations, the legal and institutional framework for investment protection, investment promotion and facilitation, public governance, and responsible business conduct policies.

Key Findings:

1. Trends and Macroeconomic Performance: Bulgaria's economic performance shows significant growth despite facing challenges in sectors such as infrastructure, labor market, skills, and competition policy.

2. Competitive Stance: The country's competitive stance is bolstered by a legal regime that is conducive to attracting and retaining investment, indicating Bulgaria's openness to foreign direct investment (FDI).

3. Investment Protection and Dispute Settlement: While Bulgaria has a domestic framework for investor protection under its law, it could benefit from enhancing dispute settlement mechanisms through bilateral investment treaties.

4. Investment Promotion and Facilitation: The national strategy and institutional setup aim to attract investment, with tools like tax incentives and grants available to investors. However, there is room for improvement in administrative simplification and service delivery.

5. Public Governance: Challenges in fighting corruption, judicial reform, and preventing undue influence between business and politics are identified. Efforts to improve the quality of regulations are also necessary.

6. Promoting and Enabling Responsible Business Conduct (RBC): Bulgaria has the opportunity to align with international standards and expectations on RBC, which can advance national development objectives. Initiatives include promoting risk-based due diligence and fostering policy coherence on RBC.

Recommendations

• Policy Priorities: Focus on addressing challenges in infrastructure, labor market, skills development, and competition policy.
• Enhance Dispute Settlement: Strengthen investor protection through bilateral investment treaties and improve dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Streamline Investment Facilitation: Improve administrative procedures and service delivery to facilitate easier entry and operation for foreign investors.
• Strengthen Public Governance: Implement anti-corruption measures, advance judicial reform, and prevent conflicts of interest between business and politics.
• Promote RBC: Develop guidelines and training programs for businesses to adopt responsible practices and ensure policy coherence across government departments.

This review serves as a roadmap for Bulgaria to enhance its investment climate and align with international standards, contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.