Extended search
Sofia Economic Forum

Sofia Airport Is Key for Development of Bulgaria, Southeast Europe - SOF Connect CEO

Sofia Airport Is Key for Development of Bulgaria, Southeast Europe - SOF Connect CEO
Sofia Airport Is Key for Development of Bulgaria, Southeast Europe - SOF Connect CEO
SOF Connect CEO Jesus Caballero at the 5th Sofia Economic Forum, Sofia, Jan. 20, 2025 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)
Sofia,  
20.01.2025 19:27
 (BTA)

Speaking at the 5th Sofia Economic Forum on Monday, Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect, the concessionaire of Sofia Airport, said that the airport plays an important role in the development of Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. He added that in this region, "where surface transport is less developed than in Western Europe, air transport is the fastest solution". "Our goal is to transform Sofia Airport into a regional hub. We have achieved a 10% increase in traffic, the average growth in Europe being 5%. The economic contribution to the country's GDP is BGN 500 million," Caballero noted. The CEO said that the development of air connectivity requires competitiveness as airlines choose destinations based on economic and logistical advantages.

"We need to develop infrastructure and capacity and be willing to transform at a fast pace. The government lacks the necessary procedures and policies for swift action, and this is what public-private partnerships are about – accelerating transformation," Caballero said.

Hill International Balkans Vice President Yannis Kirkinezis said that improved connectivity and energy security are drivers for attracting investors, encouraging economic development, and boosting tourism.

Former Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria and Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization Secretary General Michael Christides said that while progress has been made in the region's connectivity, it still lags behind other parts of Europe. "Infrastructure serves as a catalyst for unification. Its benefits go beyond trade. Private investment is needed for its development," Christides added, calling for regional agreements and harmonized regulations on infrastructure projects.

/ЙВ/

Additional

news.modal.image.header

news.modal.image.text

news.modal.download.header

news.modal.download.text

news.modal.header

news.modal.text

By 23:50 on 20.01.2025 Today`s news

This website uses cookies. By accepting cookies you can enjoy a better experience while browsing pages.

Accept More information