NEWS

Continuity between institutions is needed for the implementation of the strategic projects for this country, which contribute to the introduction of innovation and green policies in production, but also to the continuous improvement of the social standard and working conditions of workers, President Rumen Radev said in Shumen at the official launch of a project to expand the production base of Alcomet, the largest producer of aluminium products in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The investment project, worth BGN 140 million, has been certified as a priority and provides for the creation of 160 new jobs within its implementation over 3 years. Among the guests at the opening ceremony were the Mayor of Shumen Hristo Hristov and Turkiye's Ambassador, H. E.  Mehmet Sait Uyanik. Together with the owners of Alcomet, Fikret Ince and Fikret Kuzucu, the Head of State started laying the foundations of the new production. 

 

In his address, the head of state pointed out that the certification process of the project started during the caretaker government of Galab Donev and was successfully completed under the last regular government.  With the efforts of the local government, the enterprise proves that it can develop a successful innovative business in Bulgaria, which can simultaneously increase its competitiveness and introduce policies to support the circular economy, but also be an example of corporate social responsibility with social and community projects in health, education, sports and culture, the President said. He noted that the company's activities promote the development of higher education in the region and play an important role in overcoming regional imbalances and improving the country's demographic picture.

 

The launch of the project today is a testimony to the upward trend in the development of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Turkiye, which is this country's largest trade and economic partner outside the European Union, Radev further said. He pointed out that at his first meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the trade and economic exchange amounted to nearly EUR 4 billion, while the two had set a target of 10 billion and today it has already exceeded 7 billion. In Radev's words, the investment climate in the country is improving and besides the fact that last year foreign direct investments grew by nearly 40 per cent on an annual basis, there is also an upward trend that the share of profit reinvested in the country is growing, which is an indicator of business confidence. 

 

During his visit to Shumen, the President held a session with the management of Industrial Park-Shumen JSC. The Head of State also visited two foreign enterprises with production facilities in the country - high-tech communication cables and food storage products.

 

Ignazden's first guest at the presidential institution is Viktor Orban, and I believe that a much better year awaits us both for relations between Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as for our peoples and Europe, the President said after his meeting with the Prime Minister of Hungary

During the talks, the Head of State stressed the key importance of ensuring the safe operation of the nuclear power plant, as well as providing Bulgarian companies, engineers and technical workers with the opportunity to participate in the activities related to the construction and operation of the new units

President Rumen Radev held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is visiting the Novo Selo training ground today to get acquainted with the activities of the Multinational Battle Group with Italy as the host country.

During the talks, Radev expressed hope that the state leadership of North Macedonia would proceed as soon as possible to include the Bulgarians in its constitution, which would also open the door for negotiations for the country's full membership in the European Union