The Deputy Minister of Economy attended the opening of a medical equipment factory by a Czech company in Plovdiv.
The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Dontcho Barbalov, took part in the official opening of the new medical equipment manufacturing centre of the Czech company BTL Industries in Plovdiv. The new production facility covers more than 29 decares of built-up area, with an investment worth nearly BGN 100 million, making it one of the most significant Czech investments in Bulgaria.
BTL Industries, which has been operating in Plovdiv for 27 years, is a global leader in the development and production of medical devices for physiotherapy, cardiology, and aesthetic medicine. Its new production site in Bulgaria will create more than 700 jobs for highly qualified specialists and will serve as the company’s only logistics hub from which over 40,000 medical devices are shipped annually to more than 120 countries worldwide. Over the next few years, the creation of an additional 500 jobs is expected.
Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, a meeting was held with representatives of the business community, central government, and local authorities. Discussions focused on how the state can become more effective in supporting business development.
Deputy Minister Barbalov presented the role of the Commercial and Economic Affairs Offices (STI) under the Ministry of Economy and Industry in assisting Bulgarian businesses abroad. He noted that STI offices provide Bulgarian companies with valuable information on foreign markets, trade partners, and investment opportunities. In this context, the Ministry is working to strengthen the STI network and improve its effectiveness for the benefit of businesses.
Deputy Minister Barbalov added that attracting investment and supporting Bulgarian enterprises in expanding into foreign markets is a key priority for the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
Among the official guests at the opening ceremony in Plovdiv were the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bulgaria, Miroslav Toman, the Chairman of the Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce, Maxim Behar, as well as representatives of national and local government.