site.btaEconomy Ministry Begins Working on National Industrial Strategy Jointly with EC, Businesses

Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Petko Nikolov Thursday held a meeting with representatives of the European Commission (EC), marking the start of their joint work on a National Industrial Strategy of Bulgaria until 2030. The Strategy will be developed entirely with the EC's financial support through the Technical Support Instrument, the Economy Ministry said in a press release. The project is to be implemented by the start of 2026.

At the meeting, Minister Nikolov said that proactive state policy towards the main economic sectors and promotion of low carbon productions, digitalization and investment are a necessary condition for overcoming the challenges and achieving economic growth, in keeping with the interests of businesses and society.

It was noted that Bulgaria lacks a strategic document reflecting and introducing the State's priorities in the field if industrial policy. Thus, a long-term strategic vision is needed that would meet the expectations of businesses and society. "What is set in the Strategy should reflect all interested parties' views," Nikolov said. In his words, the State should support an increase of the Bulgarian industry's technological level and competitiveness, the creation of partnerships and the shortening of the supply chain, the development of skills, the observation of ecological norms, the improvement of industrial infrastructure, and the attraction of strategic investors. The National Industrial Strategy should also reflect the trends in industrial policy at the European level, the Minister added.

European Commission Representative Milena Raykovska said that this is one of the most important projects for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) this year. In her words, the Strategy is a key document for increasing the competitiveness of the EU's industry. The project includes the development of the national investment portal, she added.

Within the meeting, Minister Nikolov and the EC representatives discussed the project for National Industrial Strategy for the  mining and quarrying industry. The main objective of the document is to implement the economic transformation of Bulgarian enterprises through the transition to a green economy and the implementation of digital technologies. As a final result, their growth should be promoted and their competitiveness increased.