Bulgaria and Portugal Will Cooperate in the Training of Staff in Tourism
I hope that the Portuguese companies will accept Southeast Europe as a natural partner in implementing global projects. This is a region that has great economic prospects, President Rosen Plevneliev said at a meeting with representatives of the Portuguese business in Lisbon.
On the second day of his official visit to Portugal, the Head of State presented the investment potential in Bulgaria to approximately 50 representatives of companies from different sectors. The companies showed an interest in the opportunities for cooperation in the agriculture and food production sectors, and also in the development of information and communication technologies in Bulgaria.
The cooperation between Bulgarian and Portuguese companies will improve their efficiency and results, the President said. Rosen Plevneliev added that the business in Bulgaria can rely on the good experience of the Portuguese companies in Latin America, Africa, Asia. The President highlighted that our country is a regional leader in information and communication technologies and may boast of having well-prepared specialists in this sector, with good traditions and a dynamic development. Bulgaria received recognition as the best outsourcing destination in 2015, Rosen Plevneliev further said. The President highlighted projects that were successfully implemented in the production of car components, and also the opportunities for cooperation between Bulgaria and Portugal in the tourist sector.
The President told the business representatives about the reforms launched in key sectors in Bulgaria. Portugal showed that implementing fundamental reforms is rewarded and produces results – it increases the trust in our country on the international markets, increases the trade, reduces unemployment, President Rosen Plevneliev further commented.
A protocol for cooperation in the sphere of tourism education between the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry and the Portuguese Economy Ministry was signed at the meeting between the Bulgarian Head of State and the Portuguese business. By virtue of the document, the two countries will exchange information and experience in the sphere of education programs implemented in the tourism schools and will organize joint activities on the specialized training of staff in the sector. Technical assistance in the development of training programs will also be provided.