Industry makes up more than 25% of Bulgaria's gross value added. It provides jobs for about 250,000 people, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Alexander Pulev. He spoke at the 20th anniversary of the Bulgarian Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers.
At the forum, Pulev said the economy needs to change. He said businesses need more predictability and better institutions. He said the state must provide all forms of support for industry. The goal is to build tools that help growth rather than just helping companies survive.
To provide this support, the deputy prime minister said that he and the energy minister have secured funds from the Electricity System Safety Fund for energy-heavy industries. The minister expects many of these companies to use the money to improve energy security and efficiency. The government wants industry to get through the current energy crisis and build a base for future growth.
Support for business also includes a large plan to cut red tape. Pulev said the government is working on a program to reduce the administrative burden. They are doing this through talks with business and industry leaders.
The government's main goals also include:
- New laws on public-private partnerships to bring in private money along with EU funds to modernize infrastructure
- Growing industrial zones and improving transport links
- Building energy infrastructure
- Cutting carbon and using green technology. These are key priorities in Europe and will be central to the next multi-year EU budget.
Pulev said the state's main job is to create conditions where Bulgarian industry can compete, invest, and grow.
The economy minister said a package worth more than 200m euros has been launched. He told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, along with the energy ministry. This money helps industries invest in energy efficiency and better processes. These industries provide nearly 250,000 jobs and make up 25% of the country's gross value added.