LUKOil Neftochim is the most successful company operating on the Bulgarian market, according to the results of a Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) survey.

On Tuesday the chamber published a list of companies and holdings with the best economic results of 2000. The BCCI has released the survey annually for the last three years.

Close to 6,000 companies submitted their annual reports to the BCCI. According to official statistics, they constitute 62 per cent of all companies operating in the country, said BCCI president Bojidar Bojinov.

This year the country was divided into six economic districts in accordance with EU standards, and the economic performance of each was assessed individually. The best results were in the Southwestern region, which includes Sofia, Sofia District, Blagoevgrad, Kjustendil and Pernik. The Northwestern region comprising Vratsa, Montana and Vidin had the lowest sales in 2000. The BCCI picked 20 companies with the best results from each of the six regions.

The main criterion used to rate the companies was sales as they are indicative of a company's contribution to tax revenue and the state budget. To be included in the survey companies must have been operating for two years with a previous year of profit.

The three most successful companies for 2000 were the LUKOil Neftochim oil refinery of Bourgas, the National Electric Company and the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company. Their sales in 2000 totaled 11.557 billion leva. Profit was the decisive criterion for rating holding companies because it determines the amount of dividends. Of the 50 best performing holding companies, the top three were Bulgartabac Holding, Doverie and FIG RAY.

The BCCI also announced that Bulgarian companies operating abroad are satisfied with the services provided by Bulgarian trade representatives in over 60 states.