Article

 

Bulgaria's export competitiveness befor and after EU accession  (p.107-128)

by

Paskal Zhelev, University of World and National Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Tzvetomir Tzanov, University of World and National Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Keywords : Export competitiveness, Revealed comparative advantage, Export sophistication, European integration, Manufacturing

JEL classification : F14, F15, L6, 014

Abstract

The paper gives an insight to the country’s export competitiveness in the framework of EU accession as the analysis covers the period 2002-2009. The results bear evidence of a low export performance in terms of diversification, factor intensity and technological sophistication and a significant lagging behind countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and in certain fields Romania. It is mostly attributed to low-grade sector specialization. The integration within the EU so far has not accelerated technological catch-up. For instance, recent evidence indicates unexpected export growth in traditional industries as Bulgaria overwhelmingly remains steadily anchored in low value-added competition on international markets.