The fifth International finance exhibition Banks, Investments, Money opened on February 15 in Plovdiv.

Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski launched the exhibition, Focus News agency reported.

In the end of the 90s the Bulgarian financial sector and the banking sector in particular was developing at dynamic rate, Oresharski said. The banking system is most prepared for the challenges before Bulgaria after its EU accession.

The role of financial institutions in the utilisation of EU structural funds will be discussed during a conference part of the international finance exhibition as well.

The main topics of discussion will be the national programme for improvement of Bulgaria's competitive opportunities in the period from 2007 to 2013, the experience of EU countries in the utilisation of EU structural funds and the integration of the banking sector within the European financial market.

Belgian ambassador to Bulgaria Philippe Beke, Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) Executive Director Christos Katsanis, will also take part in the event.