site.btaPresident Radev Meets with US Tech Firms, Backs Investments in Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity

President Rumen Radev Monday said that Bulgaria is ready to support investments in digital infrastructure and connectivity, the President’s press secretariat reported. Radev was speaking at a meeting in Sofia with representatives from leading Virginia-based tech firms in the United States, specializing in high technology, defence, cybersecurity systems, and digital and communication infrastructure.

Senior officials from leading US tech firms were joined at the meeting by the US Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, H. Martin McDowell. As part of their agenda, they will meet with representatives from Bulgarian businesses, scientific organizations, and government institutions. The goal is to explore opportunities for future partnerships and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and the USA, the President's press secretariat reported.

The sides agreed that improving transport, energy, and digital connectivity is essential for modernizing the Bulgarian economy. Radev identified digital connectivity as the key factor for the country's future and stressed the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and setting up large data centres in Bulgaria.

Radev also discussed the potential of the presidential institution's proposal to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which includes establishing a National Aerospace Observation, Control and Management Centre, as well as a project to create a cybersecurity centre. These initiatives are designed to enhance partnerships with the United States in the field of high technology.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Radev said that Bulgaria aims for the partnership between the two countries to lead to technology transfer and industrial collaboration.

Radev also pointed out the country's potential for attracting foreign investments in high technology and high value-added production.