/ world today news/ There is no official interest in the privatization of BJ “Tovarni prevozi”, writes “Standart”.
Ten days before the expiration of the deadline – July 5, not a single candidate has bought tender documents, according to information from the Agency for Privatization and Post-Privatization Control (APSK). Even the only candidate that publicly declared interest – the Russian state railway company OAO RZD – has given up, commented sources of “Standard”. The Deputy Director of Russian Railways, Valery Reshetnikov, said a week ago that the largest railway company in the world is interested in the Bulgarian and Greek railways in a package, within the framework of the development of the trans-Eurasian corridor. However, after the elections in Greece, RZD has apparently reconsidered its interests in the Balkans, railway experts said. The lack of interest from the Russian Railways was also confirmed by Transport Minister Ivaylo Moskovski, who stated: “I hear rumors that a leading player in the privatization will be a Russian investor, but the information has not been confirmed. In any case, we expect proposals from both China and Turkey.” , Moskovsky said. ASPK did not confirm such interest. “We have high hopes for the privatization of BDZ “Tovarni vorosi” because it is one of the key elements in the plan to restructure the railways,” said the minister. The BDZ management expects 200 million from the privatization. BGN income and write-off of 100 mln. BGN debt.
Over 1 billion BGN investments from concluded concession contracts are expected by the Ministry of Transport, Minister Moskovski also stated. In addition to Sofia Airport, port terminals in Burgas, Ruse, Vidin, Lom, Nikopol and Tutrakan, as well as the railway stations in Varna and Plovdiv, will be given a concession, he added.
#interest #privatization #BDZ #Freight #Transport
Beyond immediate financial gains, what long-term social and economic impacts might privatization have on Bulgaria’s rail freight sector, particularly for workers and communities reliant on BDZ “Tovarni prevozi”?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Unpacking the Future of BDZ “Tovarni prevozi”
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Maria Ivanova:** Economist specializing in Infrastructure and Privatization
* **Dimitar Georgiev:** Transport Industry Analyst and Former BDZ Manager
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the current status of the privatization of BJ “Tovarni prevozi”, Bulgaria’s freight railway operator.
**Section 1: Lack of Initial Interest – Reasons and Implications**
* **Host:** Dr. Ivanova, the article mentions that OAO RZD, initially interested in acquiring BDZ “Tovarni prevozi”, has reportedly withdrawn its bid. What factors might have contributed to this decision, and what does this signal about investor confidence in the Bulgarian market?
* **Host:** Mr. Georgiev, you have firsthand experience with the inner workings of BDZ. What are your thoughts on the lack of interest from potential bidders? Are there specific internal challenges within BDZ “Tovarni prevozi” that might be deterring investors?
**Section 2: Alternative Investors – Exploring Potential Partnerships**
* **Host:** Minister Moskovski expressed hope for proposals from Chinese and Turkish investors. Dr. Ivanova, what are the potential benefits and challenges that Bulgaria might face in partnering with investors from these countries?
* **Host:** Mr. Georgiev, considering your expertise, which potential investor do you believe would be the most strategic fit for BDZ “Tovarni prevozi”? What criteria should be prioritized in choosing a partner to ensure a successful privatization process?
**Section 3: Privatization Expectations – Financial and Structural Impact**
* **Host:** The BDZ management anticipates significant financial gains and debt reduction from the privatization. Dr. Ivanova, what are your views on these expectations, and what economic impact should we anticipate beyond the immediate financial outcomes?
* **Host:** Mr. Georgiev, how do you foresee the privatization of BDZ “Tovarni prevozi” impacting the broader Bulgarian transport sector? What structural changes might we witness, and what are the potential implications for both passengers and cargo transportation?
**Section 4: Wider Context – Bulgaria’s Infrastructure Development Strategy**
* **Host:** The article mentions significant investments anticipated through concession contracts for various Bulgarian infrastructure projects. Dr. Ivanova, how does the privatization of BDZ “Tovarni prevozi” fit into Bulgaria’s broader infrastructure development strategy?
* **Host:** Mr. Georgiev, from your perspective, what are the key challenges and opportunities facing Bulgaria in modernizing its transportation infrastructure? How can successful privatization initiatives contribute to addressing these challenges and unlocking the country’s economic potential?
**Concluding Remarks:**
We thank our guests, Dr. Maria Ivanova and Dimitar Georgiev, for sharing their valuable insights. The privatization of BDZ “Tovarni prevozi” represents a significant development with far-reaching implications for Bulgaria’s economy and transportation sector.
We invite our viewers to continue engaging in this critical conversation by sharing their thoughts and perspectives on our platform.
