On April 3th, 2025, the Bulgarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Promotion Agency , in its capacity as the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (NCP), hosted for the second time an event related to the context of the Guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), namely “Responsible Business Conduct – the Path of the Entrepreneur”, which was held in the Musala Hall, Hilton Hotel.
Representatives from the Embassies of the United States, Spain, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, and the Republic of North Macedonia were present. There was high interest from the business community, which included both SMEs and large companies, NGOs, government officials, industry organizations, and other interested parties. The event focused on the progress of companies, the role of the state and financial support for business, as well as ethical practices for prosperous development.
The event was opened by the representative of the OECD, Mr. Nicholas Haches, who emphasized the opportunities provided by the OECD Guidelines and how they would assist enterprises on their path to responsible business conduct, as well as the importance of due diligence after their implementation.
The Head of the National Contact Point and Executive Director of BSMEPA, Mr. Boyko Takov shared, “The topic of today’s conference is extremely important for the business environment in Bulgaria. Responsible business conduct is part of the strategic processes for entrepreneurs and those who are now entering the economic life of the country. Every business leader who understands and follows the OECD Guidelines inevitably contributes to building a sustainable business environment.”
The first panel was attended by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy – Borislav Gutsanov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth – Krasimir Yakimov, Deputy Minister of Environment and Water – Viktor Atanasov, Ms. Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and Ms. Zornitsa Rusinova, Chai of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Assoc. Prof. Milena Angelova, Secretary General of the Bulgarian Association of Bulgarian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, participated in the event and presented a study on the readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises for the transition to sustainability.
The topic in the second panel was related to the possibilities of how, through knowledge, experience and adaptability, entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face in order to be responsible in their business development. The discussion focused on mentorship and how important it is in the entrepreneur’s journey, regardless of whether he participates in his capacity as a mentor or a budding entrepreneur.
The third panel was related to the financial opportunities that responsible business conduct can offer entrepreneurs. Participants shared with businesses about financing opportunities, as well as the tools that SMEs have access to in order to grow and follow the path of a successful entrepreneur. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the engine of the Bulgarian and European economy and through their responsible business conduct together with the support of the government, they could implement sustainable business practices.