Ruse hosted the Leader.BG Regional Business Conference, a forum that brought together business representatives, institutions, international organizations, investors, and experts from key sectors. The event focused on topics related to investments, economic security, innovation, digital transformation, energy transformation, and regional development.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported the initiative in its role as a regional partner. The participation of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is part of the Chamber's consistent efforts to promote interaction between business, institutions, the academic and expert community in support of the economic development of Ruse and the region.

Emphasis on partnership and regional development

The conference began with greetings from representatives of local authorities, state institutions, business organizations and the organizers of the forum. Among the participants in the opening part were Pencho Milkov, Mayor of Ruse Municipality; Krasimir Yakimov, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry; Iliyana Ilieva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce; Milen Dobrev, Executive Director of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Bilyana Georgieva, Executive Director of Lider.BG.

In his speech, the Executive Director of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Milen Dobrev, emphasized the role of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a mediator between institutions, business, and the academic and educational community. He emphasized that the initiatives and partnerships that the Chamber implements are aimed at supporting the development of the economy and building a more effective connection between the various participants in the regional ecosystem. Referring to the theme of bridges, traditionally associated with Ruse, Milen Dobrev noted that in the context of economic development, it is important to build „bridges“ between institutions and business. In his words, they depend on the readiness for cooperation and the ability of the different parties to work in sync with the dynamics of business. Emphasis was placed on the need for joint efforts that create a real qualitative effect and synergy in support of the development of Ruse and the region.

Main topics in the program

The conference program covered three main areas — investments and financing, innovation and digital transformation, as well as economic security and energy transformation.

The discussions focused on access to capital, investment support opportunities and the role of European programs and financial instruments for enterprise development. The topics were examined in the context of business needs for better information, predictability and practical solutions for growth.

Innovation and digital transformation were presented as key factors for increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. Participants discussed the importance of automation, technological solutions and the adaptation of business processes to the changing market environment.

In the part dedicated to economic security and energy transformation, topics related to energy efficiency, sustainable business solutions, and infrastructure connectivity were addressed.

Business networking and expo area

In addition to the discussion program, the conference also included business networking, which encouraged direct exchange between participants. Company representatives had the opportunity to establish contacts, discuss potential partnerships and share practical ideas related to the development of their activities.

As part of the forum, an expo area was also organized, showcasing products, services and solutions aimed at business needs. It complemented the discussion format of the event with a practical environment for learning about current offers and meeting with potential partners.

Partnership in support of regional development

In addition to RTIK, partners of the event were the Bulgarian Investment Agency, the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, the Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bulgarian Forum of Business Leaders and other organizations.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to support initiatives that promote cooperation between business, institutions and the expert community and contribute to the establishment of Ruse as an important economic center in Northern Bulgaria.