The InvestBulgaria Agency (IBA) participated in the first-ever roundtable discussion titled “The State, Local Government and Business – A Partnership for Sustainable Regional Development.” Held under the patronage of the Regional Governor of Stara Zagora, Assoc. Prof. Kaloyan Damyanov, PhD, and attended by Krasimir Yakimov, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, the forum brought together representatives of central and local government, the business community, employers’ organisations, financial institutions and industrial stakeholders.
The event provided a platform for direct dialogue, the exchange of best practices and the discussion of practical solutions aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the business environment in the region.
“We are actively working to attract major international companies in the automotive, defence and other high-tech industries. Our goal is to establish Stara Zagora as a leading industrial and investment hub, offering modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a favourable business environment,” said Deputy Minister Krasimir Yakimov.
Angel Ivanov, Acting Executive Director of the InvestBulgaria Agency, took part in the discussion, presenting the Agency’s activities, the opportunities for investment project certification and the incentives available under the Investment Promotion Act. He also highlighted the institutional support provided by the Agency throughout the implementation of investment projects in Bulgaria.
The forum also showcased financing opportunities available to businesses through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Just Transition Fund and other financial instruments supporting investment. These opportunities were presented by partner institutions of the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry, including the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), the Bulgarian Development Bank, the Fund of Funds and the European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate of the Ministry of Innovation and Digitalisation.
The discussions also addressed measures to reduce administrative burdens, strengthen public-private partnerships, improve labour market conditions, promote innovation and enhance the role of the Investment Coordination Council under the Council of Ministers. Particular attention was given to the development of the Zagore Industrial Zone and its planned expansion to attract strategic investors and support high value-added manufacturing.
Representatives of the local business community and municipal authorities also shared their views on the key challenges facing the economic development of the Stara Zagora Region and proposed measures to improve the local business climate. Members of Parliament also participated in the meeting, providing an opportunity for the issues raised to be considered within a broader institutional framework.
