SOFIA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- President of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) Dobri Mitrev has urged easing conditions for hiring workers from non-European Union (EU) countries following a survey showing lack of labour was one of "the biggest obstacles to business" in Bulgaria
"Against the backdrop that over 250,000 jobs can currently be filled in the Bulgarian economy, but there are no people for them, easing the conditions for hiring such people will help the Bulgarian economy and industry," Mitrev said, noting that it was extremely important to ease conditions for hiring workers from non-EU countries.
According to BIA's 20th annual survey published on Monday, year-on-year declines in production volumes and sales were reported by 44 percent and 40 percent of those surveyed, respectively, against 29 percent and 32 percent who reported increases.
The survey covering 738 business representatives also showed that 19 percent of the companies increased their investment in new production capacities and facilities and 18 percent in new products, while declines were reported by 35 percent and 31 percent, respectively. ■