Emerging Markets has named Plamen Oresharski Finance Minister of the Year Emerging Europe, the Finance Ministry said.

The publication has been a source of information for investors, bankers and brokers working in the debt markets of the developing world for 20 years now.

Oresharski won recognition for his strict fiscal policy, which protected Bulgaria from any populist moves that might endanger macroeconomic stability. The Emerging Markets Publication also
noted that the low rate of GDP redistribution helped increase business activity and reduce unemployment to about 7 per cent.

The finance minister's policy has improved the business climate and the labour market, at the same time guaranteeing a linkage between income and higher labour productivity, according to the Emerging Markets Publication.

Oresharski will not be able to receive the award in person and will not go to Washington, DC, for the World Bank/IMF Annual Meeting, the Finance Ministry said. Due to his commitments in
the drafting of the 2008 budget and the ongoing teachers' strike, he will be represented by Deputy Minister Dimiter Ivanovski.