The business climate in Bulgaria has deteriorated in 2018. This was stated by the chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association Radosvet Radev, referring to the results of a poll, in which 740 companies took part. 49% of respondents reported a slowdown in their development and a 26% reported worsening of the business environment this year compared to 2017. Just 24% of respondents say 2018 was successful for their business. 58% of entrepreneurs believe that corruption, regulatory burden and gray economy in Bulgaria are growing.

In 2019, 1/3 of Bulgarian entrepreneurs expect growth in the economy. Compared to a year earlier, optimists are down by 5%. Business intentions in 2019 are mainly about developing new products and searching for new markets, which will affect employers' plans to hire new workers and raise wages. At this backdrop, 68% of companies intend to raise employees' salaries.