“For us, the most important thing is the Bulgarian economic interest, so that Bulgarian citizens can survive this crisis with a minimal reduction in their standard of living, and the economy continues to be competitive.” This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth Daniel Lorer in Pleven, where he opened a business forum “Innovation and Perspectives” with representatives of over 50 companies in the region.
“Within a week we will announce the final version of the anti-inflation package of up to BGN 2 billion, which will include measures to support the most affected sections of society and business,” he said.
According to him, the package includes social measures for pensioners and to support families with children, as well as measures for business in terms of excise duties and VAT.
“We will continue to work to increase economic growth, and hence wages.
So far, we have managed to raise the incomes of teachers, doctors, indexed pensions, “the minister was quoted as saying by Nova TV.
Lorer added that Bulgaria was among the leaders in the EU in terms of industrial production growth in March.
“Exports are also record-breaking. The job of the state is to help where the weakest and most vulnerable Bulgarian citizens are, “he said.
Regarding the announced protests of the employers for next week, Lorer stressed that the dialogue must continue until an agreement is reached.
“It is right to reduce the tone of tension and start discussing long-term measures, which mainly concern what and how the state can afford to finance.
We want to support Bulgarian business, but we must also pay attention to the budget, “said the Minister of Innovation and Growth.
According to him, the costs for the state should also be acceptable, and whether these measures will be financed by energy companies and their profits is a question that remains to be clarified.
Laurer was adamant that the government’s efforts were aimed at quelling the crisis created by Putin’s unilateral shutdown of gas to Bulgaria.
During the forum, he pointed out that nearly half a billion grants have been provided so far under the ministry’s operational programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the country.
“It is currently active and Bulgarian business can apply for a grant procedure in the amount of BGN 140 million for energy efficiency,” Lorer said, adding that the first procedure will be launched in the summer with funds from the Recovery and Sustainability Plan for Technology. modernization of enterprises for another BGN 260 million
Especially for Pleven, the Minister of Innovation announced that he is actively working to attract a new investor from the automotive sector, who has an interest in opening production and creating 700 new jobs.
We are working to make the region one of the centers of the automotive industry in Bulgaria, Laurer said. business through the Fund of Funds and the Operational Program “Innovation and Competitiveness”.
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