We are actively working to attract major international companies in the automotive, defense and other high-tech industries. Our goal is for Stara Zagora to establish itself as a leading industrial and investment center offering modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a favorable business environment. These words were spoken by Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Krasimir Yakimov during the discussion entitled “The State, Local Government and Business: A Partnership for Sustainable Regional Development,” held in Stara Zagora. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, financial organizations, agencies, local government and industrial bodies, who presented opportunities for financing, investment and business support.
During the meeting, he emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, noting that the remaining time available for completing the investments is limited. “We have fewer than two months to absorb the remaining resources under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. This requires maximum mobilization and coordination between the state, local government and business, so that not a single euro of European funding is lost”, he stressed.
The Deputy Minister recalled that following the assessment conducted on June 15th under the fourth payment request, Bulgaria expects to receive approximately 1 billion, which will support the implementation of investments under the Plan.
Particular attention was devoted to the opportunities offered by the Just Transition Fund for the regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil.
“The region has access to considerable financial resources. The Just Transition Fund allocates approximately EUR 600 million for business support and economic transformation, while the regional development funds will invest nearly 300 million in municipal social and infrastructure projects,” Yakimov noted.
He added that the Zagore Industrial Zone is already an example of a successfully completed investment with European funding. “It was built with EUR 14 million in financing under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and is already generating significant interest from investors. Companies have been certified through the Bulgarian Investment Agency, and the next step is to expand the zone onto the site of the former airport,” the Deputy Minister said.
Krasimir Yakimov further clarified that the development of this site is envisaged as the construction of a modern industrial and logistics complex designed to attract strategic investors engaged in high value-added production. “We are in talks with several international companies. Our aim is to attract investors who will develop advanced manufacturing facilities and create quality jobs,” the Deputy Minister said, adding that all technical and infrastructure options are being analyzed to ensure that future development meets the real needs of business.
During the discussion, representatives of the Bulgarian Development Bank presented financing options available through various financial instruments, including the InvestEU programme, as well as bridge financing mechanisms for investment projects. Experts from the managing authorities of the ‘Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises’ and ‘Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation’ programmes briefed businesses on current application procedures.
Deputy Minister Yakimov also noted that the Ministry of Economy is working on a new legislative framework for public and private partnerships, which will broaden the scope for joint investment between the state and the private sector.
The meeting also featured a presentation on the implementation of business support programmes. Under the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme, 272 contracts have currently been signed with companies in the Stara Zagora Region, with total grant assistance exceeding EUR 21 million.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister indicated that sweeping administrative reforms are forthcoming, expected to be announced by Prime Minister Radev. These will result in a significant reduction of the administrative burden, with a number of procedures set to be considerably simplified.