Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Yanko Topalov opened an international scientific conference dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM).
‘The country’s metallurgical sector employs nearly 13,000 people and is a very important sector with a high share in the country’s economic indicators,’ Deputy Minister Topalov said. According to him, the production of basic metals contributes about 6% to the gross value added created by the manufacturing industry. ‘In 2021, the export of basic metals grew by 35% and is worth BGN 9.8 billion,’ Yanko Topalov added. He emphasized that this would not have been possible without the highly qualified staff that UCTM prepares and without the scientific and innovative activity of the university.
‘Today one of the most serious challenges facing the Bulgarian economy is the shortage of personnel. That is why the relationship between the institutions and the academia is so important and I am glad to say that the Ministry of Economy and Industry has always had an excellent contact with the UCTM,’ Deputy Minister Yanko Topalov said. He congratulated the academic community and wished the lecturers and students to continue raising the international prestige of the Bulgarian chemical and metallurgical industry.
The University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy was established by a decree of the Presidium of the National Assembly on 10 June 1953 with 2 faculties — ‘Chemical Engineering’ and ‘Metallurgy’, with a total of 11 specialties.