A discussion forum on the topic “Concessions – Opportunities and Challenges” took place in the Aula of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The event was organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savina Mihaylova-Goleminova, Head of the Master’s Program in Economics and Management of Public Resources.

“Congratulations to my colleagues Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savina Mihaylova-Goleminova, Dr. Rozalina Kozleva, and Dr. Marina Belcheva for organizing this forum dedicated to concessions. Many thanks to the partnering experts from institutions and companies who shared their knowledge and experience and discussed current topics on the development of public-private partnerships in Bulgaria”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev during the event.

He also highlighted several anniversaries related to the topic: 30 years since the adoption of the Concessions Act; almost 30 years of teaching the course “Project Financing” at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (which itself was re-established 35 years ago); and 20 years of energy master’s programs at the Faculty – programs focusing not only on energy, but also on infrastructure economics, network industries, and PPPs.

Among the guest speakers were Mariana Slavkova, Head of the Concessions Department at the Directorate for Strategic Development, Coordination and Concessions of the Council of Ministers, and Nona Karadzhova, Minister of Environment and Water (2009–2013).Other participants included Zhanna Velichkova, Executive Director of the Association of Soft Drinks Producers in Bulgaria, and Lyubomir Filipov, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Projects at Veolia Solutions Bulgaria EAD.

The second panel focused on mineral resource concessions. It included a presentation on the closure and reclamation of the Ada Tepe mine by guest speaker Ivan Ivanov, Manager of Permitting and Legal Activities at DPM Krumovgrad EAD.

The third and final panel turned to the legal and financial aspects of concessions, featuring presentations by Dr. Marina Belcheva, attorney-at-law, and Dr. Rozalina Kozleva, economist.

A greeting address was delivered on behalf of the Vienna Economic Forum, which can be found attached.

More information on the event can be found in the publications of the media partner BTA.

Photos courtesy of BTA.