site.btaBulgarian Economic Affairs Services Hold Annual Meeting

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - Addressing an annual meeting of the Bulgarian Trade and Economic Affairs Services (TEAS) here on Monday, Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Manolev urged commercial aides to be more active in attracting investors to Bulgaria and in popularizing the country as an investment destination. He underscored a need to assist the Bulgarian companies in venturing out on international markets.

Manolev said that since the beginning of the year several meetings with prospective investors have been organized by TEAS. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister recalled that several countries are fighting for each investor and Bulgaria shouldn't rely solely on having EU's best taxation policy and the lowest operational costs.

Manolev advised commercial aides to direct investors to industrial zones. As a case in point Manolev cited Kurdzhali where a month ago a decision was taken for setting up an industrial zone and already there was a meeting with a potential investor with an annual turnover of 100 million euro operating on several continents.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said there are locations which are still lagging. He noted a need to improve coordination when planning Bulgaria's participation in exchanges and fairs. He insisted that a schedule of the exchanges in which Bulgaria will take part be drawn up with the participation of TEAS one year in advance. Regular video conference calls will be held with TEAS as part of efforts by the political leadership of the Economy Ministry for closer ties.