site.btaAutomotive, Defence Industries among Most Dynamic Segments of Mechanical Engineering

Automotive, Defence Industries among Most Dynamic Segments of Mechanical Engineering

Sofia, October 4 (BTA) - Economy Minister Bozhidar Loukarski singled out the automotive and defence industries as some of the most dynamic segments of mechanical engineering.

Loukarski opened a business discussion on mechanical engineering, the first of a series in a national campaign entitled "The New BG Economy".

Twelve investment projects worth 654.8 million leva have been certified in the automotive industry in the first ten months of 2016, said Loukarski. More than 7,000 jobs will be created.

The defence industry has seen over 60 per cent output and export growth in the last two years. Loukarski attributed this to the companies' proactive marketing policy and an expanded range of potential buyers.

Labour and Social Policy Minister Zornitsa Roussinova said mechanical engineering had a workforce of about 123,000 people according to data for 2015 and the first half of 2016. Some 65 per cent of the employees have secondary education.

Roussinova noted that a lack of skilled workers and motivated employees willing to continue training and a shortage of young people who want to train as engineering/technical specialists were some of the worst challenges, not just in mechanical engineering.