site.btaOutgoing E-Government Minister Discusses Introduction of State Digital Wallet with Trust Service Providers

Outgoing Minister of e-Government Valentin Mundrov discussed the introduction of a state digital wallet at a meeting with all trust service providers in Bulgaria, the Ministry of e-Government said in a press release on Tuesday.

During the meeting, participants agreed that the successful creation and deployment of a digital wallet is possible only through close cooperation between the state and business. They also reached agreement to launch a joint project involving the private technology sector, the Ministry said.

"The state digital wallet is a key element of Bulgaria’s digital transformation. It affects every citizen and every company, which is why its success is possible only through a genuine partnership between the state and business. Our goal is to build a secure, open, state-owned platform that creates conditions for development, innovation and trust," Mundrov said. He added that all services within the state digital wallet will be free to use and develop.

Participants stressed that the digital wallet concerns every citizen, company and organization, which makes it necessary to work together as a community rather than separately. Mundrov highlighted the need for swift and adequate action, as well as for the joint development of the wallet’s architecture and technical specifications together with business representatives.

During the meeting it was stated that ownership of the digital wallet will be, and must remain, state-owned. Representatives of trust service providers expressed support for the proposed model and said it is the right direction for development. They agreed that an initial version of the project should be prepared by mid-February.

As an example of successful and effective cooperation between the state and business, participants pointed to the development of the National Health Information System, the Ministry of e-Government added.