site.btaArmed Forces Modernization Can Become Major Catalyst for Bulgarian Industry's Development - Deputy PM Donchev

The Armed Forces modernization processes could become a major catalyst for the development of Bulgarian industry, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev said on Wednesday. He was speaking at a ceremony for the signing of a memorandum aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Bulgarian defence industry and executive authorities.

“Bulgarian industry can become the Armed Forces’ best friend. Bulgarian industry has survived and integrated into the common market. We have increasingly complex and expensive products,” Donchev said.

“We have a unique opportunity that must not be missed. Over the next five to ten years, we must invest billions in modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces and acquiring new capabilities. This can be done in multiple ways. We can either invest and acquire capabilities, meaning to supply equipment from global manufacturers, or do it the smart way - by leveraging Bulgaria’s development and industrial potential,” Donchev said. “There are new opportunities in economy, science and innovation. At the same time, there are shorter supply chains, sustainable development of domestic production capacity, which is a matter of national security,” he added. 

“We must have this conversation so it reaches everyone and inspires Bulgarian enterprises to get involved. Most importantly, we must encourage more young people to pursue engineering and vocational education, because this is our biggest challenge. The shortage of cadres is one of the major problems that could halt the growth of Bulgarian industry in the medium term,” Donchev said.