There should be a long-term vision for education for the more vulnerable groups within society.

The investment in education will contribute to the generation of new wealth.

It is only natural that young people look for opportunities for realization and success not only in Bulgaria, but also abroad.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it is a reversible process; in other words, when they see that there is a better business climate in Bulgaria, they can come back.  This was said by Levon Hampartzoumian, Chair of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of UniCredit Bulbank, in "The Day Begins" show on the Bulgarian National Television today.

According to him, in 10 years the financial industry will be much more closely related to information technologies, so financiers and economists should consider the fact that they now need a wider range of skills and knowledge. 

Universities should focus even more on direct research and practical work or on the foundation of knowledge, i.e. their students should be teachable.  "In the rapidly evolving world learning is a continuous process and universities should pass this on to their students", explained Levon Hampartzoumian.

His statement was supported by the Rector of the University of World and National Economy, Prof. Dr. Sc. (Econ.) Statty Stattev. He is convinced that the myth of lack of cooperation between business and higher education is in the past, but there is still need of improvement in this direction.

"Higher education is working with the business sector.  The most recent example I can give is the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by UNWE and UniCredit Bulbank.  It envisages providing opportunities for career development and realization of university students through internship programs and employment at the bank", explained Prof.  Stattev.

According to him, the law should allow universities to engage the distinguished professionals from the sector much more actively in the teaching process.

"I am looking forward to the moment when Levon Hampartzoumian can conduct a course in Strategic Banking, for example.  He is experienced, has a vision and knowledge.  This is the actual connection and the students would appreciate it", stated the Rector of UNWE.

Levon Hampartzoumian also thinks that the connection between business and education should be strengthened. He firmly stated that there has to be a long-term vision for education for the more vulnerable groups within society.

"The Chief Economist of UniCredit Bulbank Kristofor Pavlov made very good analyses on the topic of education.  They show that only 3.6% of the GDP of Bulgaria is spent on education.  I am a supporter of the lavish spending of money for education because I think that investing in it will have a considerable contribution to the generation of new wealth", firmly states Levon Hampartzoumian. 

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Additional media information:

Identity and Communications Department, UniCredit Bulbank

Victoria Blajeva, tel +359 (0) 2 9264 993, wjlj/ebwjepwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Beatris Nikolova, tel +359 (0) 2 9232 528, cfbusjt/ojlpmpwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch