Bulgaria's textile, clothing and leather makers are calling for urgent talks with the government to help steady the industry. The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association, which represents the sector, announced the move.
The group sent a position paper to the prime minister and relevant ministers, asking for quick working meetings to hash out solutions and next steps.
Companies want easier access to workers, including a simpler way to hire staff from outside the EU. The association says job training should match what businesses actually need, and that firms should find it easier to get funding to modernise, automate and digitise production and cut energy use.
It's also pushing for real competition and a fair shot for companies that actually make the goods when it comes to military, uniform and official clothing contracts. Price shouldn't be the only factor, the association says — quality, reliability, delivery times, traceability and control over production should count too.
BATOK says it backs spending public money wisely while keeping production running in Bulgaria and the EU. The full position paper has been published.