Investment proposals worth nearly EUR 300 million have already been submitted, with the potential to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the industrial park
The expansion of Zagore Industrial Park through the Elenino-Zagore project is a key prerequisite for attracting new investment, creating high-quality jobs and enhancing the region’s export potential. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Krasimir Yakimov, who officially opened Zagore-Elenino Industrial Park – the second phase of Zagore Industrial Park, implemented under the Public Support Programme for the Development of Industrial Areas, Parks and Similar Territories and for Attracting Investment (AttractInvestBG), with grant funding of nearly EUR 7.1 million.
“This is an infrastructure project of exceptional importance for the Stara Zagora region,” Deputy Minister Yakimov said during the opening ceremony. He stressed that the expansion of the industrial park is a key driver of the region’s economic development and an important factor in attracting new investors.
According to Yakimov, the results are already becoming evident. “A large proportion of the industrial sites has already been taken up, while investment proposals worth nearly EUR 300 million have been submitted, with the potential to create more than 1,300 new jobs,” he said. The Deputy Minister noted that the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Industry is working actively both to develop new industrial sites and to improve Bulgaria’s investment environment.
Yakimov also highlighted the major reforms that have already been implemented in the field of investment policy. “In a very short period of time, we initiated and completed an important reform of Bulgaria’s investment policy. We consolidated all investment policies and business support instruments within the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Industry,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also emphasised the role of the newly established Central Coordination Council for Strategic Investments under the Council of Ministers.
“We established the Coordination Council for Strategic Investments, which sends a strong political message to the investment community while also serving as a practical instrument that is already delivering results. It is currently considering strategic investment projects that require not only financial support but also close coordination among the relevant institutions,” Yakimov stressed.
He further noted that the Government is taking consistent action to reduce the administrative burden on businesses. “We have identified more than 300 measures to reduce administrative burdens, ranging from shortening regulatory deadlines to accelerating permitting procedures,” the Deputy Minister said.
In conclusion, Yakimov stressed that attracting investment requires close cooperation between public institutions and the business community. “For this entire endeavour to succeed, for new investment to be attracted and high-quality jobs to be created, it is essential that central government, local authorities and businesses work hand in hand,” he said.
Later in the day, Deputy Minister Krasimir Yakimov also took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for Bulgaria’s first high-tech manufacturing plant for vanadium redox flow batteries, which will be built in the industrial park.