https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/rss Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:27:18 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200124-gerb-udf-alleges-attempts-to-shift-road-agency-spending-to-2025-to-reduce-2026-d https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200124-gerb-udf-alleges-attempts-to-shift-road-agency-spending-to-2025-to-reduce-2026-d Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:12:00 +0300 GERB-UDF has information suggesting that documents are being created at the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) with the aim of shifting expenditure from 2026 to 2025 and thereby reducing this year's budget deficit, former finance minister and GERB-UDF MP Temenuzhka Petkova told a briefing in Parliament on Tuesday. Petkova alleged that the documents were being prepared following verbal instructions from the Finance Ministry and said GERB had information about "pressure to issue certificates bearing an old date from 2025". According to her, the effect would be to increase the deficit reported for 2025 while reducing the 5.7% deficit envisaged in the 2026 State Budget. She argued that the Government could consequently report a deficit of around 3.5%-3.8% at the end of 2026 and attribute the reduction to reforms, when GERB believes it would instead result from accounting manipulation. Petkova alleged that the purpose was also to discredit the previous regular government and create the impression that Bulgaria had not been ready to join the euro area. GERB said no political objective could justify putting the reputation of Bulgaria and its institutions at risk. According to Petkova, the documents allegedly being created for 2025 could be submitted to the National Audit Office (NAO), reflected in its reports and subsequently used as grounds for seeking a reassessment of Bulgaria's 2025 deficit. GERB said it was monitoring the actions of the Finance Ministry and developments at the RIA and would provide documents to the competent Bulgarian and European institutions. Petkova recalled that on July 2, Parliament, with the support of GERB-UDF, tasked the NAO with carrying out extraordinary audits of several budget-funded institutions, including the Finance Ministry, RIA, National Social Security Institute and Labour and Social Policy Ministry. She questioned the terms of the RIA audit, arguing that the reasoning accompanying Parliament's decision effectively instructed the NAO what it should establish. One of the issues the audit is to examine is whether there had been a systematic practice of delaying the recognition of expenditure and liabilities relating to one budget year and transferring them to subsequent years. GERB argued that the decision and its reasoning violated the National Audit Office Act and applicable international standards. The party said it expected the audit reports by October 30 and hoped they would be objective and conducted in accordance with best auditing practices. GERB-UDF MP Aleksandar Ivanov said the party did not know whether Prime Minister Rumen Radev was aware of the alleged attempt at manipulation. Later on Tuesday, the Finance Ministry issued a position on its website saying that it categorically rejected public speculation about manipulation of the 2025 state deficit through interference in the work of the NAO on the audits assigned to it. The Ministry stressed that the NAO is an independent body and that the executive branch cannot influence its work in any way or exercise control over the audits it conducts. It also described as unfounded the claims concerning a refusal to issue certificates last year. The Finance Ministry said it was working intensively on the preparation of the 2027 State Budget, with its efforts focused on solutions to ensure the country's financial stability after what it described as a period of serious accumulated imbalances in public finances. Economy Nelly Zheleva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200161-concessions-for-major-roads-motorways-are-government-priority-pm-radev-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200161-concessions-for-major-roads-motorways-are-government-priority-pm-radev-says Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:52:40 +0300 Concessions for major roads and motorways are a government priority, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on Tuesday during a visit to a section of the Plovdiv Ring Road currently under construction. Radev said the government was already putting the Public-Private Partnership Act up for public consultation and would adopt the following week a strategic analysis identifying Bulgaria’s highest-priority transport infrastructure. This would include motorways, railway lines, bridges, tunnels, ports and airports. He gave Plovdiv Airport as an example, saying that it had been operating below capacity for years. The PM said that once the Council of Ministers made a decision, he, together with the Minister of Regional Development and the Minister of Transport, would hold a media briefing to clearly identify the strategic projects the government intended to pursue. Some would be completed with national funding, while others would be offered under concession arrangements. Radev stressed that the government was not yet ready to invite companies to bid for concessions, as substantial preparatory work remained to be done. He said Minister Ivan Shishkov had formed a team for the projects and had been given the authority to expand the administration working on them, both in terms of staffing and expertise. The priority, Radev said, was to move the projects forward so that concessions could be launched in 2027. According to the PM, these would be open tenders in which Bulgarian and foreign companies would be invited to participate. The successful companies would be required to build the motorways and maintain them at their own expense. Radev argued that this would give companies a strong incentive not to compromise on quality, as they would also have to cover the cost of any repairs. He said the model would eliminate the corruption schemes that had previously dominated Bulgaria’s road construction sector and had resulted in contracts for which the state was now required to pay. Radev said the approach would free up public resources that could instead be invested in education, healthcare, culture, sports and security. He stressed that this would also make it possible to build motorways more quickly, as relying solely on public finances would take decades. The PM added that once the first motorways were awarded under concession, the existing system of vignettes, taxes and toll charges would be transformed into a form of taxation on vehicles. Also attending Plovdiv’s ring road inspection, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov said that, under European Union directives, by 2030 payments for all roads in Bulgaria would have to be harmonized. In other words, the system would be brought in line with the current arrangements for heavy goods vehicles, meaning that all roads would become subject to charges. Shishkov said this requirement was consistent with the government’s intention to award road construction and operation projects under concession. He questioned whether Bulgaria’s roads could really be considered “free” for so many years, given that many roads had either not existed in adequate form or had been in poor condition, and that, with the exception of the Trakia motorway, Bulgaria did not have a single motorway completed from end to end. The Regional Minister said the government’s priority was to change the entire economic model while ensuring that it would ultimately provide Bulgaria with better roads. Shishkov stressed that Bulgaria had to ensure the necessary road infrastructure before the new EU directive entered into force. He said this would first require the roads to be properly designed and then the best solutions for the state to be identified so that the infrastructure could be offered under concession. Economy Konstantin Karagyozov BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200026-zs-europe-high-tech-plant-opens-production-capacity-expansion https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1200026-zs-europe-high-tech-plant-opens-production-capacity-expansion Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:09:07 +0300 A high-tech plant of ZS Europe, located in Maritsa Industrial Zone, South Central Bulgaria, opened a production capacity expansion on Tuesday. The project is the result of a strategic decision by Chinese company Shanghai Unison Aluminium Products to expand its presence in Europe and establish a high-tech production facility in Bulgaria for aluminium components for the automotive industry, Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) reported. The total investment to date exceeds EUR 17.5 million, making the project one of the most significant new high-tech industrial investments in the region. The expansion is a natural continuation of the successfully completed first phase and is indicative of the company's sustainable development and the investor's confidence in Bulgaria, TEZ added. The expansion was inaugurated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev who said at the event that Chinese investment has a place in Bulgaria and that its presence is evidence of growing confidence in the country. Radev stated that for many years, Chinese investments had been directed to other European countries, however, the newly opened high-tech production facility demonstrated that Chinese investment could be successfully based in Bulgaria and use the country as a gateway to markets across Europe. The Prime Minister described the event as a sign of the deepening partnership and friendship between Bulgaria and China following the 2019 declaration on strategic partnership signed by him and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov said at the event that TEZ is one of Bulgaria's industrial hearts. He praised TEZ Executive Director Plamen Panchev for successfully finding common ground with national and local authorities, which helped turn investments in the region into reality. Maritsa Municipality Mayor Dimitar Ivanov added that the plant in the village of Radinovo is an example of good cooperation between the central government, local authorities and the investor. He reported that the access infrastructure leading to this plant has been built by the Municipality of Maritsa with help from various companies. Plovdiv Regional Governor Georgi Yanev noted that dozens of factories in Plovdiv produce goods exported to more than 100 countries, making the region Bulgaria's industrial heart. Manufacturing accounts for more than 45% of Plovdiv Region's gross domestic product, Yanev said, describing the region as one of the strongest drivers of Bulgaria's economy. He added that Plovdiv's factories stand out for innovative and green solutions, automation and robotization. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said that this investment demonstrates the high level of confidence Chinese companies have in the Bulgarian economy. She added that the project was, to date, the largest Chinese investment in Bulgaria. She also pointed out that five Chinese automobile manufacturers were already present on the Bulgarian market. The Ambassador expressed hope for continued progress in Bulgarian-Chinese relations. Economy Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199964-eur-7-mln-saline-solution-and-medical-supplies-plant-to-be-built-near-plovdiv https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199964-eur-7-mln-saline-solution-and-medical-supplies-plant-to-be-built-near-plovdiv Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:15:00 +0300 Prime Minister Rumen Radev officially broke ground for the new manufacturing facility of Advanced Medical Care on Tuesday. The site of the future plant is located in the village of Tsaratsovo, in the Maritsa Industrial Zone of the Trakia Economic Zone, near Plovdiv. Advanced Medical Care’s investment project involves the construction of a new facility for the production of saline solution and medical supplies, including vacuum blood collection tubes for blood sampling, transport and testing. The project represents a planned investment of EUR 7 million and is expected to create 35 new jobs. Radev presented Advanced Medical Care with an investment certificate. "This is a strong sign that Bulgarian entrepreneurs are beginning to truly believe in the consistency of our government’s policies, because we have made it clear that Bulgarian investors are the most important investors for us," Radev said. "A plant funded entirely by Bulgarian investment will rise here, in a strategic sector, healthcare," the Prime Minister added. He noted that saline solutions currently used in Bulgarian hospitals are transported from thousands of kilometres away. Radev stressed that healthcare is a strategic priority for the government. Advanced Medical Care manager Iliyan Iliev told journalists that the company will produce saline solutions, without which hospitals cannot function for even a single day. These solutions are currently supplied mainly from Spain, he added. Against the backdrop of the current crisis with fuel, the transporting of water, and the difficulties companies face when relying on foreign investors, the company decided to invest in production, Iliev said. Health Minister Katya Ivkova told journalists after the opening ceremony that the construction of facilities for the production of saline solutions and medical supplies strengthens national security. "Saline solutions and blood sample supplies are essential for any healthcare facility. Indeed, there has recently even been a decline in the distribution of such products on our market. So building production capacity at a national level also strengthens the country’s national security," Ivkova said. According to her, this contributes to the development the country’s competitiveness. "Such solutions are needed not only for our own territory, but also for other EU Member States, as a decline in the market for saline solutions is also being observed there," Ivkova added. The facility will be built on the company’s own 18,707 sq.m. plot. The first phase will include an administrative building and a 5,200 sq.m. production hall. According to the Trakia Economic Zone, the facility will feature automated and robotic filling and packaging lines, as well as closed-loop systems for water distillation and the mixing of pharmaceutical products. Production will target both the Bulgarian market and customers in the European Union and Serbia. The facility is expected to become operational in 2027, with full production capacity scheduled to be reached by 2029. The investment will create new manufacturing capacity in Bulgaria, generate jobs and contribute to the development of the country’s pharmaceutical and medical industries, the Trakia Economic Zone said. Economy Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199984-chinese-ambassador-says-investment-reflects-strong-confidence-in-bulgarian-econo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199984-chinese-ambassador-says-investment-reflects-strong-confidence-in-bulgarian-econo Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:04:23 +0300 The investment demonstrates the high level of confidence Chinese companies have in the Bulgarian economy, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said on Tuesday, referring to the ZS Europe plant in Radinovo, near Plovdiv, where Prime Minister Rumen Radev inaugurated an expansion of its production capacity. Dai said there were bright prospects for Bulgarian-Chinese industrial cooperation. The plant is located in the Maritsa Industrial Zone, part of the Trakia Economic Zone, in the village of Radinovo. The ambassador said that Bulgaria and China had traditionally enjoyed friendly relations and cooperation. Referring to Radev’s visit to China in 2019, when he was president, and the signing of an agreement on strategic cooperation, Dai voiced hope that the industrial investment would mark the beginning of a new stage in bilateral relations. She recalled that during president Rosen Plevneliev’s state visit to China, the two countries had reached agreements on comprehensive cooperation and on deepening industrial ties. Dai said she was confident that the investment represented a new high point in Bulgarian-Chinese industrial relations. The ambassador added that the project was, to date, the largest Chinese investment in Bulgaria. She also pointed out that five Chinese automobile manufacturers were already present on the Bulgarian market. According to Dai, China understood the importance of the automotive industry for the development of related supporting industries and had encouraged more Chinese carmakers to invest in Bulgaria. Dai wished ZS Europe success in the further development of its project and expressed hope for continued progress in Bulgarian-Chinese relations. Economy Konstantin Karagyozov BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199909-plovdiv-factories-export-to-more-than-100-countries-regional-governor-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199909-plovdiv-factories-export-to-more-than-100-countries-regional-governor-says Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:28:08 +0300 Dozens of factories in Plovdiv produce goods exported to more than 100 countries, making the region Bulgaria's industrial heart, Plovdiv Regional Governor Georgi Yanev said on Tuesday. Yanev spoke at the opening of an expansion of the high-tech plant operated by ZS Europe, located in the Maritsa Industrial Zone of the Trakia Economic Zone in the village of Radinovo. The project follows a decision by Chinese company Shanghai Unison Aluminium Products to expand its presence in Europe by establishing high-tech production of aluminium components for the automotive industry in Bulgaria. The ZS Europe plant produces components for car bodies, chassis and electric vehicles for leading global automakers, including Volkswagen, Tesla, Volvo and Stellantis. Manufacturing accounts for more than 45% of Plovdiv Region's gross domestic product, Yanev said, describing the region as one of the strongest drivers of Bulgaria's economy. He added that Plovdiv's factories stand out for innovative and green solutions, automation and robotization. "Plovdiv is one of the regions that are most attractive to foreign investors. The reasons are clear: predictability, logistics, industrial zones, infrastructure and transport corridors," Yanev said. The investment is being implemented in stages on a 35,000 sq m site. The first phase included 12,000 sq m of production space, while the current expansion adds another 10,000 sq m. The investment to date exceeds EUR 17.5 million. Economy Мartin Lekov Teodora Lyubenova BTA Correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199922-maritsa-mayor-says-zs-europe-plant-shows-strong-cooperation-between-government- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199922-maritsa-mayor-says-zs-europe-plant-shows-strong-cooperation-between-government- Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:18:10 +0300 Speaking on Tuesday, at the opening ceremony for the expansion of the production capacity of the high-tech plant operated by ZS Europe, Maritsa Municipality Mayor Dimitar Ivanov said that the plant in the village of Radinovo is an example of good cooperation between the central government, local authorities and the investor. Prime Minister Rumen Radev attended the official opening of the expansion of the plant, which manufactures components for car bodies, chassis and electric vehicles, intended for leading global car manufacturers, located in Maritsa Industrial Zone of the Trakia Economic Zone near Plovdiv. Ivanov noted that this is a significant investment not only for the municipality and the Plovdiv Region, but also for Bulgaria. He thanked ZS Europe for choosing to invest in the Municipality of Maritsa. "Thanks to the government’s support, we have succeeded, and the access infrastructure leading to this plant has been built by the Municipality of Maritsa with the assistance of various companies," Ivanov pointed out. He wished ZS Europe every success, adding that the municipality has sufficient land available and a team ready to cooperate and provide assistance. Economy Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199891-burgas-grape-growers-expect-better-harvest-this-year https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199891-burgas-grape-growers-expect-better-harvest-this-year Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:01:33 +0300 The grape harvest in Bulgaria's southeastern Burgas Region is entering its active phase, as vineyard owners and winemakers told BTA Tuesday that they expect a better harvest than in 2025, with grapes showing very good quality. In the Pomorie area, harvesting began with Muscat Ottonel, followed by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. In the Sungurlare Valley, where white varieties also dominate, harvesting started in late August. The first yields indicate good ripeness and quality, while producers report favourable processing characteristics. Winemakers stressed that last year’s campaign was particularly difficult due to fires, frost and freezing temperatures, whereas this year, damage from frost and hail has been limited, and yields in many vineyards are close to normal levels. At the start of the harvesting campaign, purchase prices in the Sungurlare area range from EUR 0.50 to EUR 0.60 per kilogram, slightly below last year’s levels, according to producers. Some varieties command higher prices, like the Muscat Ottonel in the Karnobat area, which is currently offered at up to EUR 0.80– EUR 1 per kilogram, while Merlot in Sungurlare is around EUR 0.90 per kilogram. Winemakers pointed out that these are asking prices, not average regional purchase prices. Despite the promising harvest, growers continue to face difficulties finding buyers. Supply is high, while processing plants cannot purchase all available quantities, as farmers with pre-arranged contracts have the most secure market. Economy BTA Correspondent Stanimir Savov Filip Pavlov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199904-trakia-economic-zone-is-one-of-bulgaria-s-industrial-hearts-plovdiv-mayor-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199904-trakia-economic-zone-is-one-of-bulgaria-s-industrial-hearts-plovdiv-mayor-says Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:00:11 +0300 Trakia Economic Zone is one of Bulgaria’s industrial hearts, Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov said Tuesday at the opening of an expansion of the production capacity of the high-tech plant of ZS Europe, located in the Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) – Maritsa Industrial Zone, in the village of Radinovo. “Just two days after the Unification Day holiday, which celebrates the unity and the will for togetherness that brought all of Bulgaria together, we are today in one of the country’s industrial hearts. Once again, in the spirit of unity, I would like to thank the mayor of Maritsa Municipality for the cooperation,” Dimitrov said. He also thanked Trakia Economic Zone Executive Director Plamen Panchev. According to the Plovdiv Мayor, over the years Panchev has managed to find common ground with national and local authorities, helping turn investments in the region into reality. “Years ago, I asked him where he would find the workforce, and he said that everything would be automated. What we need, therefore, is a qualified workforce, which is currently being trained in Plovdiv and the surrounding region. I wish them every success, and we look forward to seeing more investment and development in our region,” Dimitrov said in conclusion. Economy Petya Dikova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199896-pm-radev-says-chinese-investment-has-place-in-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199896-pm-radev-says-chinese-investment-has-place-in-bulgaria Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:35:00 +0300 Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Tuesday that Chinese investment has a place in Bulgaria and that its presence is evidence of growing confidence in the country. Inaugurating the expansion of the production capacity of the high-tech plant operated by ZS Europe, located in the Maritsa Industrial Zone of the Trakia Economic Zone in the village of Radinovo, near Plovdiv, Radev said that for many years, Chinese investments had been directed to other European countries rather than Bulgaria. However, he said the newly opened high-tech production facility, built in a short period of time, demonstrated that Chinese investment could be successfully based in Bulgaria and use the country as a gateway to markets across Europe. The Prime Minister said the event marked more than the launch of an expanded high-tech production facility, describing it as a sign of the deepening partnership and friendship between Bulgaria and China following the 2019 declaration on strategic partnership signed by him and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Radev recalled that the declaration had identified industrial cooperation, particularly in high-tech sectors, as a priority, adding that this commitment was now beginning to translate into concrete results. According to Radev, the new investment was evidence of growing confidence in Bulgaria, the policies of the Bulgarian government, the country’s political stability and predictability, and the measures being taken to attract foreign investment. He argued it also reflected efforts to change Bulgaria’s economic development model – from growth based on redistribution, consumption and low-cost labour, which he described as having reached its limits, toward a model based on attracting investment, increasing productivity, developing high-tech manufacturing with high added value, and boosting exports. Radev congratulated the management of ZS Europe on choosing Bulgaria, and particularly the Plovdiv region, as a destination for its investment. He also praised the local authorities and the management of the Trakia Economic Zone, saying that the zone was now emerging as Bulgaria’s industrial engine. Economy Konstantin Karagyozov Reni Nikiforova BTA Correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1199844-prime-minister-radev-opens-production-capacity-expansion-at-zs-europe-near-plov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1199844-prime-minister-radev-opens-production-capacity-expansion-at-zs-europe-near-plov Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:02:00 +0300 Prime Minister Rumen Radev officially opened on Tuesday the production capacity expansion at the high-tech plant of ZS Europe, located in Maritsa Industrial Zone, in the village of Radinovo, part of the Trakia Economic Zone. The project is the result of a strategic decision by Chinese company Shanghai Unison Aluminium Products to expand its presence in Europe and establish a high-tech production facility in Bulgaria for aluminium components for the automotive industry, according to the Trakia Economic Zone. The company manufactures components for car bodies, chassis and electric vehicles, intended for leading global car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Tesla, Volvo, Stellantis and others. The investment is being implemented in phases on a 35,000 sq.m. site. The first phase comprises 12,000 sq.m. of production space, which has already been built and commissioned, whilst the current expansion adds a further 10,000 sq.m. of production capacity. The total investment to date exceeds EUR 17.5 million, making the project one of the most significant new high-tech industrial investments in the region. The expansion is a natural continuation of the successfully completed first phase and is indicative of the company’s sustainable development and the investor’s confidence in Bulgaria, according to Trakia Economic Zone. Bulgaria Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199814-production-index-in-services-down-1-1-in-june-2026-m-m-up-5-8-y-y https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199814-production-index-in-services-down-1-1-in-june-2026-m-m-up-5-8-y-y Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:28:58 +0300 In June 2026, the total production index in Services of the business economy decreased by 1.1% compared to the previous month, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Tuesday. Compared to June 2025, a rise of 5.8% was registered in the calendar-adjusted index. Compared to the previous month, a decrease of 12.5% was reported in the 'Professional, scientific and technical activities' sector, of 0.5% in 'Information and communication', of 0.3% in 'Administrative and support service activities'. An increase of 9.6% was seen in the 'Real estate activities' sector, of 3.1% in 'Transportation and storage', of 0.8% in 'Accommodation and food service activities'. On an annual basis, growth was observed in all sectors. 'Administrative and support service activities' grew by 17.5%, 'Transportation and storage' by 7%, 'Professional, scientific and technical activities' by 5.6%, 'Information and communication' by 3.7%, 'Real estate activities' by 2.8%, 'Accommodation and food service activities' by 1%. Production indices in services are calculated by deflating the turnover indices for each activity with the corresponding producer price indices. The purpose of the production index is to measure changes in output volume at monthly intervals, the NSI reported. Economy Nikolay Zabov Мartin Lekov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199748-bulgarian-economy-minister-chinese-vice-president-discuss-trade-investment-exp https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199748-bulgarian-economy-minister-chinese-vice-president-discuss-trade-investment-exp Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:55:00 +0300 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Xiamen, where they discussed possibilities to expand trade and investment between Bulgaria and China, the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry said on Tuesday. "There are many opportunities to further develop economic cooperation between Bulgaria and China. It is important for us that relations develop not only at the political level, but also lead to actual investment and new production," Poulev said, according to the ministry’s press service. He added that investment and the automotive sector are among the key areas in which Bulgaria is seeking new opportunities to deepen its economic and industrial partnership with China. According to Poulev, Bulgaria is keen to draw on China’s experience and best practices while also contributing its own expertise and added value. The two top officials stressed the need for more balanced bilateral trade and for a stronger presence Bulgarian companies on the Chinese market. They discussed opportunities to increase the participation of companies from both countries in joint trade fairs and business forums, as well as to promote Bulgarian exports, including agricultural products. The Chinese Vice President welcomed the visit of the Bulgarian government and business delegation to the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, stressing its importance for deepening bilateral relations. He welcomed the participation of Bulgarian companies in the fair and expressed confidence that the visit would produce tangible results. Han highlighted the importance of the upcoming business forum between representatives of the two countries, which will bring together around 100 companies with potential for future partnerships. He welcomed opportunities for Chinese companies to invest and do business in Bulgaria. Han expressed hope that more Bulgarian companies would participate in Chinese trade fairs, which would give them broader access to the Chinese market. Poulev stressed that the meeting of the Bulgaria-China Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in Beijing on September 10 will be the first convened by the current government. He said this was a clear sign of the importance Bulgaria attaches to bilateral economic relations. "Our common goal should be for relations between Bulgaria and China to deliver concrete economic results," Poulev said. The meeting was also attended by Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov and Deputy Ministers of Economy, Investments and Industry, Agriculture, Energy, and Regional Development, who are members of the official Bulgarian delegation. Economy Risida Dimitrova Delyan Petrishki https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199695-fruit-and-vegetable-producers-call-for-fair-value-rules-based-on-production-cost https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199695-fruit-and-vegetable-producers-call-for-fair-value-rules-based-on-production-cost Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:58:46 +0300 The price of Bulgarian agricultural produce should not fall below its cost of production and should include a markup of at least 10%, the Fruit and Vegetable Branch Chamber said in a statement addressed to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev. The document was submitted as part of the public consultation on a draft methodology for determining the fair value of goods under the Consumer Protection Act, published on August 7, 2026. In their position, the Chamber said that commercial markups throughout the supply chain should not to come at the expense of agricultural producers. According to the organization, fair pricing would help support the sustainable consumption of Bulgarian fruit and vegetables in line with their seasonal availability. As confirmed by the sector analysis of the Commission for Protection of Competition, "in the fruit and vegetable sector, pricing is shaped by the simultaneous impact of seasonality, weather conditions, short marketing windows, perishability, storage losses, transport and fuel costs, cold-chain infrastructure, wholesale markets, intermediaries, imports, and small producers’ limited access to stable sales channels. For this reason, measures in this sub-sector cannot be reduced to controlling retail prices, but must cover the entire supply chain: from production, purchasing, wholesale markets, storage, transport, imports, wholesale and retail trade." The analysis further notes that due to the mentioned vulnerabilities "the fruit and vegetable sub-sector is emerging as a distinct risk area within the food supply chain". The Chamber emphasizes that, for yet another year, despite a good harvest of fruit and vegetables, Bulgarian producers have been driven to despair by the lack of a viable market and by farm-gate prices that do not even cover the costs of growing their produce. Against this backdrop, during the debate and adoption of the latest amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, the Chamber broadly supported the introduction of a "fair value" mechanism for food products. The Chamber recognized the government’s stated objective of ensuring "continued, consistent and effective consumer protection against unjustified price increases," as well as creating "sustainable mechanisms for transparency, oversight and public trust in a dynamic economic environment". At the same time, the Chamber argues that amendments of the Act improperly limit the determination of fair value to products included in the so-called basic consumer basket, in this case only tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and apples, and requires the calculation to start from the "wholesale price plus", which comprises the wholesale price, operating costs and a commercial markup. For this reason, the industry organization does not support the draft methodology. In the Chamber’s view, calculations of "fair value" should be based on production costs rather than wholesale price data derived from the daily figures published by the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Wholesale Markets. The Chamber argues that the methodology should use price data collected by the National Revenue Agency, the Customs Agency, and the state-owned System for Argo-Market Information (SAPI). On 7 August, the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry published for public consultation a draft methodology for determining the fair value of basic food products. The methodology provides for an integrated model for determining fair value based on objective market data, including wholesale prices, operating costs, allowable technological losses, a target operating margin, and comparisons with price levels in EU Member States using internationally recognized statistical indicators. Economy Risida Dimitrova Kamelia Tsvetanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1199630-pm-to-attend-opening-of-production-at-zs-europe-high-tech-plant https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1199630-pm-to-attend-opening-of-production-at-zs-europe-high-tech-plant Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:27:15 +0300  Prime Minister Rumen Radev will attend the opening of production at the high-tech plant of ZS Europe in Maritsa Industrial Zone, part of the Trakia Economic Zone, the Government Press Service said on Tuesday. Later in the day, Radev will break ground for the new facility of Advanced Medical Care. The site of the future plant is also located in the Trakia Economic Zone. The Prime Minister will also visit a section of the Plovdiv ring road currently under construction. He will be briefed on the progress of the construction work, the Government Press Service said. Bulgaria Momchil Rusev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199496-anthrax-diagnosed-in-cattle-in-northeastern-village https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199496-anthrax-diagnosed-in-cattle-in-northeastern-village Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:30:45 +0300 A case of anthrax in cattle has been confirmed in Ezerche, in Bulgaria's northeastern Razgrad Region. Regional Governor Aylin Basheva has ordered preventive measures, the administration of the region reported on Monday after a meeting of the local epizootic commission. The case was identified after cattle suddenly died at a livestock facility in Ezerche. The animal had been kept in an area enclosed by an electric fence, about 100 metres from the farm. Samples sent for testing at a laboratory in Sofia confirmed the presence of anthrax, said Yulian Yordanov, head of the Animal Health Department at the Razgrad Directorate of Food Safety. The site where the animal was found was treated promptly, and the carcass was sent to a rendering plant. Dr Yordanov said the carcass was not opened or butchered, which is important for limiting the risk of the disease spreading. Four people who had contact with the carcass have been identified: two veterinarians and two farm workers. They followed safety requirements and used personal protective equipment. Preventive measures have been taken for all four and they have been placed under medical observation, said Reni Kiryakova, director of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Directorate at the Razgrad Regional Health Inspectorate. This is the first anthrax case in Tsar Kaloyan Municipality in 50-60 years, Yordanov said. He noted that the disease is not contagious and is not transmitted from person to person. It primarily affects animals. Meanwhie, the case in Ezerche was officially confirmed by the executive director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The Regional Epizootic Commission decided that the site where the animal died will be designated as an anthrax zone, fenced off and marked with a warning sign. Official veterinarians will monitor the health of susceptible animals at the livestock facility. The movement of susceptible animals and feed to and from the livestock facility and the village will be restricted. An inventory will also be carried out of all livestock facilities and the susceptible animals kept there within the territory of Ezerche. All susceptible animals in the village that are eligible for vaccination will be vaccinated against anthrax. Regional Governor Aylin Basheva will monitor the implementation of the measures taken. The regional administration has called on residents of Ezerche to cooperate with and support the competent authorities. At the end of August, an outbreak of anthrax was confirmed in Stefanovo, Lovech Region, North Central Bulgaria. Economy Valentin Evstatiev BTA correspondent Sadet Karova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1199473-bulgaria-invites-chinese-bus-maker-king-long-to-explore-investment-opportunities https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1199473-bulgaria-invites-chinese-bus-maker-king-long-to-explore-investment-opportunities Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:44:50 +0300 Bulgaria is encouraging companies from China's southeastern Fujian Province to consider the country as an investment destination. "The automotive sector is among the key areas in which Bulgaria is seeking new opportunities for economic and industrial cooperation with China," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev said during talks with the government of Fujian Province in the port city of Xiamen, as quoted by his ministry on Monday. Poulev and a Bulgarian business delegation are taking part in the China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen. In Beijing on September 10, Poulev is expected to co-chair the 19th session of the Bulgaria-China Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation. The meeting in Xiamen discussed opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, industry, agriculture and high-tech manufacturing. "We welcome the opportunity to develop economic relations between Bulgaria and Fujian Province. We see good prospects for concrete partnerships in sectors where Fujian has strong positions – electronics, automotive, new energy and green technologies," Poulev said. Fujian is one of China's dynamically developing industrial and export-oriented regions, the press release noted. The province's gross domestic product exceeds USD 900 billion. Fujian ranks seventh in China in terms of international trade, while the development of economic and free trade zones is among the key factors behind its growth. "We can see the level of modernization in your province and in China as a whole. It is truly impressive. You have managed to achieve a high-quality transformation across all areas of the economy," the Bulgarian Deputy PM told the hosts. During his visit to Xiamen, Poulev toured the production facilities of Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., one of China's leading manufacturers of buses, electric vehicles, autonomous transport and smart mobility solutions. King Long operates across the entire production cycle, from research and development to manufacturing. Among the company's developments is the world's first mass-produced autonomous electric bus with Level 4 autonomy. The sides discussed King Long's strategic expansion plans. Poulev invited company executives to visit Bulgaria and inspect suitable sites and industrial zones for possible business ventures. "This is the kind of industrial development we are striving for – high technology, smart solutions, innovation, autonomous transport and high-value-added manufacturing. Bulgaria has the potential to become part of these value chains," Poulev said. He stressed that attracting high-tech investments and companies from the automotive industry is among Bulgaria's priorities. "The automotive sector, electronics, new energy technologies and smart transport are areas where we see concrete potential for partnership," the Deputy PM added. World Valentin Evstatiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199453-bulgaria-reports-one-of-eu-s-largest-monthly-declines-in-services-production-in- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199453-bulgaria-reports-one-of-eu-s-largest-monthly-declines-in-services-production-in- Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:45:16 +0300 Bulgaria showed one of the largest monthly declines in services production in June 2026, while annually, services production in Bulgaria grew, as in most other EU and euro area countries, according to data published by the Statistical Office of the European Commission (Eurostat) on Monday. Among member states for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases were recorded in Latvia (-3.7%), Germany (-2.1%) and Bulgaria (-1.1%). The highest increases were observed in Luxembourg (+7.8%), Portugal (+3.1%) and Lithuania (+2.6%). Year on year, the largest increases were recorded in Greece (+9.3%), Slovenia (+8.5%), Estonia and Lithuania (+7.1%). Bulgaria reported an increase by 5.9%. Declines were recorded in Denmark (-6.5%), Germany (-0.6%), Italy (-0.5%) and Austria (-0.1%). Across the EU, seasonally adjusted services production decreased by 0.2% in June 2026 compared with May 2026, and in the euro area, it dropped by 0.3%. Compared with June 2025, it increased by 1.5% in both the EU and the euro area. Economy Valentin Evstatiev Elena Savova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199435-restaurateurs-criticize-deputy-pm-pekanov-s-position-call-for-lower-vat https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199435-restaurateurs-criticize-deputy-pm-pekanov-s-position-call-for-lower-vat Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:06:00 +0300 The Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Association of Restaurants released a position on Monday in which they called for lower VAT imposed on the tourism industry. The organizations criticized Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov's interview for Nova TV aired on Sunday in which he said that the VAT for the tourism sector will not be reduced, considering the concessions that the industry enjoys and the unjustifiably high prices that it charges. In response to Pekanov's statement that "It is not normal for restaurants in Italy, Austria and Spain to have prices that are, in part, the same as in Bulgaria," the restaurateurs argued that comparing prices at restaurants in Vienna and Sofia without also comparing the tax burden, purchasing power, labour costs, rent, energy costs, delivery costs, and the administrative environment is not an economic analysis, but rather "convenient political rhetoric". The industry representatives said: "If the State wants European prices, let it first ensure European predictability and a fair tax policy. In Austria, the restaurant industry and food are subject to different tax regimes and reduced rates for certain supplies, while in Bulgaria, the industry is once again subject to the full tax burden." The associations called for lower VAT and for "an honest conversation about VAT, expenses, and the conditions under which restaurants operate". Economy Nikolay Zabov Elena Savova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199404-gross-domestic-product-up-2-8-in-q2-2026-y-y https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1199404-gross-domestic-product-up-2-8-in-q2-2026-y-y Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:53:00 +0300 In the second quarter of 2026, Bulgaria's GDP grew by 2.8% compared to the same period of 2025, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reported on Monday. The GDP in the second quarter also grew by 0.7% compared to the previous quarter. The data has been revised upward slightly from the previous estimate, which indicated growth of 2.7% on an annual basis and 0.6% on a quarterly basis. Data from the NSI shows that in the first quarter of the year, GDP grew by 2.9% compared to the first quarter of the previous year and by 0.7% compared to the last quarter of 2025. In the second quarter of 2026, 79% of GDP was spent on final consumption, while investments accounted for 23% of GDP. The foreign trade balance for goods and services was negative. Economy Nikolay Zabov Elena Savova