Until now, Bulgaria was mainly known as a manufacturer of automotive components and a supplier of parts for the global automotive industry. Today, however, our country already has the potential, capacity, and expertise to take the next big step—the complete production of vehicles bearing the “Made in Bulgaria” label. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Industry Krasimir Yakimov during the international conference “Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026.”
“This is not a political slogan. This is an economic reality, “he stressed. According to the Deputy Minister of Economy, Bulgaria has all the necessary prerequisites to be part of the future of the European automotive industry — qualified engineers and technical specialists, development centres, strategic location, industrial traditions and access to European markets.
Deputy Minister Yakimov announced that the automotive industry in Bulgaria includes over 380 national and international companies and 38 research and development centres. “More than 80,000 people are employed in the sector, and the industry generates approximately 11% of the country’s gross domestic product, with an annual turnover exceeding EUR 10 billion,” he added.
Deputy Minister Yakimov noted that the next logical step in the development of the sector is attracting strategic investments. “The state clearly stands behind investors. The reforms we are introducing will lead to faster administrative procedures, modern infrastructure, developed industrial zones, a predictable tax environment, and active support for high-tech manufacturing,” he stated. According to him, Bulgaria has the opportunity to establish itself as an industrial leader in the Balkans and a regional centre for electric mobility, innovation, and modern production.
Within the framework of the event, Deputy Minister Krasimir Yakimov met with Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers). The two discussed investment opportunities in the automotive industry and positioning Bulgaria as a competitive destination for new manufacturing projects.
The international conference is organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria. For another consecutive year, Automotive Forum Bulgaria gathers representatives from the automotive industry, technology sector, institutions, and international business for a strategic dialogue on the future of the sector in the context of global challenges.