site.btaEconomy Minister: Work of Sectoral Councils for Tripartite Cooperation under Economy Ministry Resumes

Economy and Industry Minister Petar Dilov held a working meeting with the President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) Plamen Dimitrov and representatives of the trade union's branch organizations, Dilov's Ministry said in a press release on Tuesday. At the meeting, the parties agreed to resume the work of the sectoral councils for tripartite cooperation under the Ministry of Economy and Industry. The aim is for them, together with employers, to form common positions on the development of industry in Bulgaria.

Sectoral councils are related to chemical industry, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, light industry, among others.

It was also agreed that the councils should be held regularly to be as effective as possible. The need to update their composition and rules of procedure was also discussed.

Responding to a question from the trade unions on the future of VMZ - Sopot EAD, Minister Dilov categorically stated that privatization of the enterprise is not envisaged and the information disseminated in this direction is speculative. He stressed that VMZ is a structurally defining enterprise for the military-industrial complex and plays an essential role both for the national security and for the economy of the country. In his words, the preservation of full state participation in it guarantees the presence of the state in strategic markets.

The meeting also discussed topics related to the European Commission's (EC) Clean Deal initiative and the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector. Emphasis was placed on the European Plan “Rearm Europe”, highlighting the huge potential it provides for the technological renewal of Bulgaria's defence industry. The parties agreed that the Bulgarian defence industry has a solid basis for development and plays a key role for the economy. It can be used to develop new industries and create additional jobs.

The trade unions also raised the issue of the inclusion of their representatives in the working groups in the Ministry of Economy and Industry that are preparing the new National Industrial Strategy for the manufacturing and extractive industries. The strategy, which is fully funded by the EC, will reflect the main policy points at EU level, aiming to help Bulgarian enterprises to increase their competitiveness and to cope with the challenges of the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and digitalized economy.

The meeting also discussed the process of Bulgaria's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the transformation of state-owned enterprises as part of this process.