International Fair Plovdiv and FLGR organize an Investment Forum Cities Welcoming Business that will be held on 9 May 2005 in the Fair ground in Plovdiv. The event is a part of the International Consumer Goods and Technologies Fair which is one of the most reputable business forums in South East Europe.

Together with the traditional international specialized exhibitions, this year will feature a special project Exhibition of the Municipalities in Bulgaria .

The investment forum will be open by the Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg and the Minister of the Economy Milko Kovachev will take part in the discussion on development priorities of Bulgaria.

Initiatives for improving the investment climate, the effective dialogue with the business, the application of professional approach in the work with investors and the introduction of innovative practices for stimulating the local businesses will be presented at the forum.

Other topics that will be covered include: the opportunities provided by the industrial parks in the country, mechanisms for support of SMEs and incentives for local development, initiatives for promoting the Bulgarian image internationally, practices of foreign companies and their recommendations to the Bulgarian municipalities for adequately meeting the needs of businesses.

The focus of the discussion will also be on the opportunities for direct support of companies in meeting the challenges and requirements of the Bulgarian EU membership.

The forum will be attended by representatives of municipalities, Bulgarian and foreign companies, regional governors, representatives of central authority, donors and other organizations supporting businesses.