Bulgarian Industrial Association

On April 25, 1980 representatives of the largest Bulgarian enterprises established the Bulgarian Industrial Economic Association (BISA), later renamed in the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA). BISA is the first non-governmental organization in the former socialist camp, a conductor of market relations in Bulgaria. With the onset of democratic change, BIA is actively involved in the process of attracting foreign investments and placing the Bulgarian economy on market bases. BIA is actively involved in rulemaking concerning business in the transition period and supports the processes of the transition of the economy entirely towards market development. The role of the Bulgarian Industrial Association for the development of the dialogue between employers and trade unions, for the building of the social partnership system in the country is extremely important. BIA is the only Bulgarian business organization, which is a member of BUSINESSEUROPE - Confederation of European Business, representing the interests of Bulgarian companies and employers at European level. The Association is actively involved in the work of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the South East European Employers' Forum (SEEEF). BIA has signed cooperation agreements with over 70 national employers’ and business organizations from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.