The Deputy Minister of Economy emphasised that efforts are underway to reorient towards the high-tech European market
The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Nevena Lazarova, and the Minister for European Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, Ms. Marie Bjerre, visited the state-owned enterprise “VMZ” EAD in the town of Sopot.
In light of Denmark’s upcoming Presidency of the European Council, due to begin in July, the Minister for European Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark is conducting working visits across the region and in our country. As part of her official programme to Bulgaria, she toured VMZ Sopot to gain insight into the country’s defence industry and capabilities. Also attending the working visit was H.E. Mr Flemming Stender – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Bulgaria.
The visit included a review of VMZ’s main production facilities, where the guests observed key manufacturing processes.
“Bulgaria has a long-standing tradition in the production of military equipment,” Deputy Minister Lazarova stated. She confirmed that the ongoing modernisation and capacity expansion of VMZ Sopot is a strategic priority, with a focus on reorienting towards the high-tech European market.
She emphasised that the defence industry plays a vital role in Bulgaria’s economic development, serving not only as a cornerstone of national security but also as a major source of employment, innovation, and investment. “To date, the sector employs over 70,000 highly qualified employees and generates approximately 4% of the country’s GDP,” she pointed out.
The Deputy Minister of Economy noted that Bulgarian companies are actively participating in and achieving success in highly competitive European programmes with a focus on defence.
The meeting also highlighted the long-standing partnership between Bulgaria and Denmark. Deputy Minister Lazarova described the Kingdom of Denmark as a traditional economic partner of Bulgaria, and the two countries maintain strong trade cooperation, which the Bulgarian side greatly values.