site.btaInternational Finance Corporation and EBRD Assist Bulgarian Authorities in Selling Concession for Sofia Airport

105 ECONOMY - SOFIA - AIRPORT - CONCESSION

International Finance Corporation and EBRD
Assist Bulgarian Authorities in Selling
Concession for Sofia Airport


Sofia, April 17 (BTA) - The International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are assisting the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications in conducting a competitive bidding procedure for a concession contract for Sofia Airport by applying the best world practices, the World Bank said on April 16.

Five investors of solid international reputation have submitted offers in the procedure which was launched by the government last year, the World Bank recalled.

Fabrizio Zarcone, World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, said Bulgaria has established itself as an attractive investment destination in the region.

EBRD Director for Bulgaria Larisa Manastirli said her institution was pleased to see that the concession procedure attracted five successful international players of rich experience. According to Manastirli, the aim is to select a respectable international operator capable of developing the airport in a way that best meets the needs of passengers and the Bulgarian economy. This will be good news for other investors who hope to set foot in Bulgaria.

The World Bank pointed to a global trend over the last two decades for the private sector to take over the management of airports, most often by using the model of public-private partnership, including through concession contracts.