Bulgaria's general business environment index dropped by 0.4 points in September 2009 against August, reaching its lowest rate (8.6 per cent) ever since the beginning of the downturn tendency in October 2008, the National Statistical Institute said, Bulgarian news agency Focus reported on September 26 2009.

In September, the business climate index registered a 0.3 point increase against the previous month due to improved expectations about the business environment among industrial companies over the next six months (a 0.6 points increase).

Managers’ prognoses about production in the next three months envisage current levels being preserved.

According to managers, the current business state of the industrial companies has not changed since August, the number of industrial orders is insufficient and production activities are still in a downturn.

The uncertain economic environment is still the most serious difficulty hampering business sector development, according to 56.9 per cent of companies.

In September 2009, the "business climate in the construction sector" index reported a 2.3 point decrease against the previous month. The decrease is because of the worsened outlook among construction entrepreneurs about the current business situation for their companies.

The biggest problems faced by the construction sector are the uncertain economic environment and insufficient financial security, according to 61.8 per cent and 53.1 per cent of companies.

The "business climate in retail sale sector" index increased by one point in September against the previous month. Here again, entrepreneurs cited the uncertain business environment as the major obstacle facing companies. No increase in orders is expected.