Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Pulev has invited the Austrian private sector to participate in large-scale and strategically important projects for our country. The initiative was discussed during an official meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Andrea Ikić-Böhm, with details provided by the press center of the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry (MEII).
During the talks, it was highlighted that Austria is one of Bulgaria's most significant economic and investment partners. Deputy Prime Minister Pulev emphasized the impressive parameters of this cooperation, noting that the accumulated volume of direct Austrian investment in our country amounts to nearly 6 billion euros, while the annual bilateral trade turnover reaches about 2 billion euros. According to the minister, these figures are impressive, but the government's ambition is to build upon these results by implementing specific policies to attract capital with high added value. The goal is a comprehensive economic transformation toward high-tech production, achieved in partnership with key European allies, among whom Austria holds a leading position.
Alexander Pulev briefed the diplomat on current reforms in investment policy, emphasizing that following the restructuring of the state administration, all activities in this sector are now concentrated within the MEII. As part of these changes, a new central coordination mechanism was presented, uniting the efforts of all significant institutions, agencies, and ministries. At the same time, the minister highlighted work on reducing the administrative burden, which is being carried out in constant and direct dialogue with business representatives and industry organizations.
A significant part of the conversation was devoted to the development of new legislation in the field of public-private partnerships. "Our goal is to create a balanced and stable framework that guarantees the state's interest while facilitating the attraction of private capital for the modernization of national infrastructure," stated Pulev. He added that this is a direct invitation for Austrian companies to invest their experience, expertise, and innovative technologies in the development of industrial zones and other strategic state assets.
Ambassador Andrea Ikić-Böhm noted the intensive and fruitful economic cooperation between the two countries. She stressed that for Austrian companies operating in the Bulgarian market, the existence of a predictable business environment, long-term stability, and the absence of excessive bureaucracy are of paramount importance. Digitalization was also pointed out as a critically important element for future development, defined as a main pillar in the modernization program of the Bulgarian state and the local economy.
The aspiration to transform the domestic economy toward high added value is among the top priorities of the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev. In line with this vision, the Ministry of Economy is working hard to activate ties not only with traditional Euro-Atlantic partners but also to expand cooperation with countries from other regions of the world. According to data from BTA, active contacts are being developed for this purpose with:
- Turkey;
- countries in the Far East, including China, Japan, and Vietnam.