site.bta Philips Interested in High-tech Projects in Bulgaria's Health Care Sector

Philips Interested in High-tech Projects in Bulgaria's Health Care Sector

Amsterdam/Sofia, August 30 (BTA) - Philips will examine the opportunities for creating a high-tech cancer treatment centre using hadron therapy in Bulgaria, it transpired from a meeting between Economy Minister Bozhidar Loukarski and the company's senior management in Amsterdam, Loukarski's Ministry reported on Tuesday.

The sides have agreed on creating a working group for that purpose during the meeting, which was also attended by Sofia Tech Park Executive Director Yolian Ivanov.

Philips' Executive Vice President Ronald de Jong noted during the meeting that his company is interested in supporting every idea that is based on long-term cooperation and sustainable solutions with clear support from the State. He noted that his company is ready for partnership with Bulgaria in implementing high-tech projects in the health care sector, adding however, that it is very important that Bulgaria defines a clear vision for the development of such projects.

The promotion of investments in the high-tech sectors, including health care, is a priority of Bulgaria's economic policy, Loukarski noted during the meeting. He declared the Bulgarian Government's support for the implementation of such projects, stressing that this country views them as a long-term commitment. This commitment is clearly reflected in the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization 2014-2020, which aims to focus the Bulgarian Government's efforts on the development of a high-tech and resource-efficient economy. The strategy defines several priority areas, one of which is precisely the healthy living and biotechnology industry.

According to the Economy Minister, building a hadron therapy cancer treatment centre in Bulgaria is an opportunity of not just national, but regional significance.

The Belgian company IBA, which is a leader in proton therapy, too has shown interest in joining the project.

"The participation of serious partners in the project, such as Philips and IBA, gives us good starting positions for providing its financing under the Juncker Plan," Loukarski noted. A similar project in the Netherlands has been highly assessed by the European Investment Bank and financed under the investment plan.

Among the topics discussed during the meeting were the opportunities for cooperation between Bulgaria and Philips in the field of research and development. Loukarski presented the Sofia Tech Park concept, which is the first science and technology park in Bulgaria. Sofia Tech Park Executive Director Ivanov added that there is interest in the Park by other global companies, such as Microsoft, Samsung, SAP, VM Ware.