The International Association of Professional and Business Women in Bulgaria (IAPBWB)
meets with John Chomel-Doe – EBRD Country Director for Bulgaria
3 October 2002

The IAPBWB began its new season with a lecture at its regular monthly meeting by Mr. John Chomel-Doe, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Country Director for Bulgaria. In its fascinating presentation on EBRD’s activities in our country Mr. Chomel-Doe stressed the fact (see photo 1) that the bank expands rapidly its activities, becoming major foreign investor in support of Bulgaria’s transition to market economy. In the last 10 years (till September 2002) the EBRD entered into 44 investment projects in Bulgaria totaling 654 mln. euros. The investments during the last year rose 6 times compared to the year before and reached 50 mln. euros. EBRD’s main mission is to support the process of transition of Bulgaria’s economy into a competitive, market one and stimulate the market drive of the economy in the country. In his vivid presentation Mr. Chomel-Doe explained in detail the strategy goals of the bank in Bulgaria for the future. It was mentioned that one of the key priorities of the bank is to support the small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) in Bulgaria through a program worth 22 mln. euros. The lecture ended with an open networking discussion between IAPBWB members and guests and Mr. Chomel- Doe

Photos from the October 2002 IAPBWB monthly meeting:

IMPORTANT NOTE !

At the time of the IAPBWB October meeting coincidentally, another event (Forum on Ecotourism) was taking place at RadissonSAS Grand Hotel Sofia. The guards of this other event, turned back by mistake guests and members of the IAPBWB. The IAPBWB expresses its regret for not being able to sort out the problem in a timely manner. The Association apologises for this to all invited, who were not allowed by the guards of the Forum on Ecotourism to enter the hall of our meeting.