In an exclusive interview, Deputy Minister Krasimir Yakimov revealed the state's extensive plans for stimulating economic development through a series of targeted investment measures. A key point is the amendments to the Investment Promotion Act, which drastically simplify administrative procedures and create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs.
Among the main innovations are reduced service times, the introduction of a 14-day document review, and opportunities for free financing of priority projects in manufacturing, education, and scientific research. The reduction of mandatory private financing from 40% to 25% is expected to attract additional investors.
The Ministry has launched several large-scale procedures with a total budget of over 350 million leva. The first is for digitalization of micro and small enterprises with 80 million leva, which allows financing between 5,000 and 50,000 leva for online solutions, marketing, and cybersecurity. In parallel, a measure for energy efficiency with a budget of 126 million leva is being prepared.
Special focus is placed on less developed regions, especially in Northern Bulgaria. A procedure with 90 million leva is planned, which will directly support enterprises in the Northwest, North Central, and Northeast regions.
The procedure for family businesses also proved to be extremely successful and sparked enormous interest. The initial budget of 117.5 million leva was increased by an additional 76 million to cover nearly 2,000 companies from various sectors.
In the area of industrial development, the state supports the construction of 10 industrial zones and parks with an investment of about 200 million leva. Projects have already started in cities such as Svishtov, Sliven, Shumen, and Stara Zagora, with the expectation of creating hundreds of jobs and attracting over 50 new investors.
An important decision was also issued by the Supreme Administrative Court, which confirmed the legality of the procedure for selecting financial intermediaries for the "Entrepreneurship Fund", ensuring transparency and security of public funds.
Krasimir Yakimov made a direct appeal to businesses: "Be active, apply! We have programs worth over 5 billion leva. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Bulgarian economy."
The ministry's strategy is clear – through targeted investments, simplified procedures, and a focus on innovations, to increase the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy and provide better conditions for entrepreneurship development.