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Ivan Petkov

PhD Ioakeim Kalamaris is a professor at the European College of Economics and Management in Plovdiv and Sofia, the author of 8 books in the field of economics, finance and management, an entrepreneur and Honorary Consul of Uruguay in Bulgaria for a year now. Ivan Petkov spoke with PhD Kalamaris.

Do Bulgaria and Greece have a common fate in the contemporary development and, if so, where do you see it?

In the Balkans, one must work a lot to accomplish things that other countries take for granted. And all this work remains unappreciated. I do not mean just the moral appreciation but also the financial part. I have recently started a new business in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates and I am impressed. There are no bureaucratic barriers, companies obtain business support and an initial boost. I am doing business in Greece and Bulgaria, and even compared to the economy of the country that I am representing in Bulgaria, Uruguay, I can say that we lack many details, namely financial, moral, social, that would make us happy. For me, the fact that people are not smiling, they are not delighted, indicates that things are not going in the right direction. People have lost the most important thing a person can possess. This is the meaning of life to me, namely enjoying what you are doing and being happy with it.

The fate of Bulgaria and Greece is very similar, at least in modern times (you can see our infographics on the topic - author’s note). I am afraid that we could pass on to our children this state of misery, but also the financial suffocation, domestic problems, crime, and in general, the combination of all factors that force people to migrate.
  
How do you see the current economic situation in Greece?

The fact is that Greece has to implement many reforms. But before proceeding to optimizing the public spending and the number of employees in the public sector, we have to think what to do with the dismissed people, because these people have to go somewhere. These people need to be trained and educated, to have an economic culture in order for them to be competitive in the global economy amidst the high rate and growth that businesses seek and require. I am not convinced that they have the knowledge and skills in question. My observations as a lecturer are that many of my students are not well prepared for the level of higher education. But it is not their fault in this case. It is our fault; it is lecturers, teachers, society’s fault.

Do we know how to take risks? To what extent does the Balkan mentality determine today's economic and political situation of Bulgaria and Greece? Are we unreasonable or too passive?

In the Balkans, we cannot be successful if we work in a team. We succeed alone and in personal achievements, we build an environment that others enter. You see how many Bulgarians and how many Greeks are successful abroad. How adaptable they are. And we are proud of them. Without undervaluing them, I call them "rented sons", as they are far from their roots. The problem is that when we try to become a team, we lose our common goal. When difficulties arise, everyone saves him/herself.

What could we learn from the mistakes that Greece has made in its development to end up in the current severe crisis in order not to repeat them?

The developments that have happened in Greece have brought the state and its citizens to the life limit. We see a universal element, in political and global terms, and it is impunity. Private business enslavement and taxes of 50% do not result in development. This sugared candy that "only the rich will pay" is a kind of terror. I do not think that the rich keep their money in Bulgaria and Greece. Therefore, the burden falls on the average taxpayer and medium-sized businesses.

The issue of possible scenarios for Greece is inevitable. Which path do you think Greece will take and how will this affect the Balkans and Europe as a whole?

There will be no GREXIT, it is a bluff. It is not in the interest of the euro zone. Personally, I support the exit from the euro zone. I think it would be good for Greece. From a community of states the European Union has become a community that is serving the interests of a few large countries, in particular of two countries.

Would you undertake to make a forecast for Bulgaria's development and place in Europe over the next 5 years?

If Greece sneezes, the corporate sector in Bulgaria will get pneumonia. Of course, Bulgaria's economy will suffer a huge blow if Greece has even more serious problems. I am not saying if Greece leaves the euro zone.

You are doing business in several countries. How would you rate the business climate in Bulgaria compared with them? Is it easy to do business in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, there is no bureaucracy, in terms of company registration and services on the part of various institutions. However, there are orders. If one company is developing, if one company is operating better than the other is, there are ways to cause damage to certain companies using state institutions. I would not go into detail, not because I am afraid, but because it would not be fair to the institutions that support businesses. But there is unfair competition and it is significant at that, regardless of whether the case is about local or foreign companies. In the event of great progress and advancement, you should expect "guests" if you know what I mean. The business climate is generally good.

Would you say a few words as Consul of Uruguay?

I love Uruguay! For me, it is one of the countries that, in this modern world, still have absolute morality, patriotism and a secure future. It is an interesting country, rich in terms of the big hearts of its citizens. People are filled with happiness, a small but very important nation!

Would you share your favourite places in Bulgaria and Greece?
 
I love Plovdiv very much because my academic career began there, I grew professionally there. However, I cannot divide people and places. In Bulgaria, there are many beautiful places. I know Bulgaria, I have been everywhere. For me, the most beautiful places in Bulgaria are in the footsteps of Vasil Levski and in Greece anywhere where I can touch the sea. I love Greece!