BICA Honors 2024 Business to the Rules Award Winners

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) presented its 2024 Business to the Rules Awards in Sofia on Thursday, recognizing efforts to combat the informal economy. BICA Chair Vassil Velev highlighted that Bulgaria's shadow economy has dropped from over 33% to under 22% since 2008, CE Report quotes BTA

MP Delyan Dobrev was awarded for his government's electricity compensation program aimed at non-household consumers from July to December 2024. The award was presented by Labour Minister Borislav Gutsanov, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent minimum wage system.

The Bulgarian Collective Action Platform, Blue Dot Network, and High-Level Reporting Mechanism received accolades for their contributions to curbing informal economy practices. Economy Minister Petar Dilov praised their role in boosting public revenue.

bTV and reporter Maria Vankova were honored for their documentary on reducing cancer medicine costs, which highlights potential savings of BGN 100 million annually. The award was presented by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev.

BICA’s Vassil Velev also received a special award for his work on exposing the shadow economy, presented by Plamen Dimitrov, President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria.

Kiril Valchev, Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency, attended the ceremony.