Visit of Alan Ahearne to Bulgaria
Professor Alan Ahearne as quoted in the Bulgarian BTA Daily News stated that it was the role of the Irish government 'to create an environment that is as flexible and business friendly as possible, and then the private sector should be able to grow in it.' Professor Ahearne was commenting on the economic recovery that has occurred in Ireland since 2008. The interview was one of a series of lengthy interviews conducted with Bulgarian Media outlets during his visit to Bulgaria between the 12th and 15th May.
Professor Ahearne visited Sofia at the invitation of the Embassy and apart from the media interviews also delivered talks to the Bulgarian Research Institute (BRI) and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on the Irish economic recovery.
In his talks Professor Ahearne highlighted the parallels between Bulgaria's current economic and that of Ireland when we joined the EEC. The talks also featured a comprehensive examination of developments in the Irish economy since 1989 but with a particular emphasis on what has happened since 2008 and how the Irish economy has emerged from its most recent crisis. The talk at the BRI which was attended by up to 70 people many of them economists was followed by a lively Q&A session. Following his presentation Professor Ahearne met with the Director of the Institute and a number of its members for further instructions. Arising from these, contact has been established between the ERI and the ESRI in Ireland to explore ways in which the two Institutes can assist each other. Ms Katarina Kovacs of Enterprise Ireland also made a presentation to the BCCI.
During his visit Professor Ahearne also met with Mr Kalin Hristov, the acting director of the Bulgarian National Bank.