Mr Katrieli in interview for Economic.bg from 17.11.2017
Avinoam Katrieli, President of Binational Chamber of Commerce Bulgaria-Israel and investor of ‘Plana Heights” project. (text attached to the picture)
The difficulties facing the big investors in Bulgaria are connected mostly with the administrative system and that is on different levels. The administrative system is not motivated to solve problems and overcome challenges, actually sometimes it looks the other way around. Many of the clerks are trying to do the minimum possible or even nothing at all of what is needed. And that is the true "Achilles' Heel" (weakness point) for doing business in Bulgaria.
While in many other countries problems and challenges are considered in order to make business easier, in Bulgaria we are in a really tough position in this regard. In fact many people stop believing in their business success, because they know, they will have to face dramatic difficulties with the administration.
The second problematic part of making business in Bulgaria I can define with subtitle “criminal”. I will give you an example - certain people allow themselves to put investors under pressure and even to blackmail them. Often they are dressed in suits of positive ideas or hiding behind green organizations agenda for nature protection, but actually these people are making purposefully problems to the business. Without mentioning more details it is clear to all why Bansko does not develop into a better resort or why Vitosha does not develop for that matter. Using the cover of green organizations investments are literally being stopped .
I address all of my colleagues, investors and businessmen in Bulgaria not to succumb to and not to forgive those circles of people in our society. Such deeds and practices as well as the complaints sent from the business should be made known to all as official information. Let's treat the administration more strictly in such matters and without fear and definitely without allowing to give illegal bonuses. I appeal to the Bulgarian Government to prepare punitive measures to address such illegal activities. On the other hand - incentive measures for the administration that support business should also be introduced.
We can check in many countries how these challenges are being addressed. For example, in Israel, one of the Prime Minister's goals in the country was to make business easier. I know that in Germany, Norway, the United States and other countries it is the same.
Businesses are the core of the existence of each nation, they create working positions and atmosphere. The more business is done, the better will be the quality of life. Higher competition provides development of the whole country, and its lack leaves the country on the same level. Competition encourages each business to be more creative and to approach with new ideas.