Bulgaria The Third-Most Attractive FDI Destination in SEE

Bulgaria is the third most-attractive destination for foreign investments in Southeastern Europe after Turkey and Romania, according to the Southeast Europe Attractiveness Survey 2008, compiled by the independent market researcher CSA at the request of Ernst & Young and released on April 24.

The survey draws on the answers of more than 200 top executives investing worldwide and their appraisal of criteria such as telecommunications infrastructure, quality of life, access to financial investors, transport and logistics infrastructure and social climate.
More than 68 per cent of respondents believe Bulgaria’s attractiveness to foreign investors would improve, E&Y said in a news release.

Respondents also identified some challenges facing Bulgaria. These included the transition toward high value-added activities such as the establishment of headquarters, contact centres, shared service centres and research and development institutes. They also recommended that Bulgaria improve its transport and telecommunications infrastructure, improve its quality of life, meet EU economic regulation standards, eradicate bureaucracy and corruption, improve the country’s image abroad and simplify administrative procedures.

Region-wise, Southeastern Europe is the most attractive investment destination in Europe with 33 per cent of investors voting in favour of the region. Western Europe and Central Europe rank second and third with 25 per cent and 13 per cent of the votes, respectively.

Turkey is the country to draw the largest investments, whereas Romania is the leader by its number of FDI projects it has attracted, the survey reveals.

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