Minister Stoicheva: MIG works for a better environment for investments and creation of high-tech innovations

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth works to create a better environment for investment and the creation of high-tech innovations. My team and I have a clear mission and vision to turn Bulgaria into one of the centers of the new wave of innovation, based on scientific and development activity. This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Milena Stoicheva, at a discussion forum with businesses in the Shumen region, organized by the Bulgarian Investment Agency and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. Stoycheva presented the vision and priorities of the ministry, as well as the possibilities for financing the enterprises in the region.

The event was attended by the regional governor of Shumen Prof. Dobromir Dobrev, the deputy mayor of the city Rositsa Antonova, representatives of small, medium and large companies from the region, branch organizations, the Bulgarian Investment Agency, the Bulgarian Development Bank, the General Directorate "European funds for competitiveness", representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the rector of Shumen University Prof. Georgi Kolev and others. The event was hosted by the majority owners of Alcomet, Fikret Ince and Fikret Kuzuju.

"At MIG, we aim to turn Bulgaria into a destination that develops people's intellectual capital, is attractive to young people and supports and encourages entrepreneurship," said Minister Stoycheva.

In her words, the inclusion of digital transformation and new technologies in the work process of enterprises in our country will lead to the creation of products and services with high added value. Minister Stoycheva gave the example of "Alcomet" as a company that develops its own capacity and the entire region, thanks to the long-term and sustainable work plan. "The implementation of innovations, digitization and technological modernization are advocated in the company's production, which leads to better results and the increase of the economic growth of the region," said Stoycheva.

Regarding the financing opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, Minister Stoycheva emphasized that MIG manages a financial resource of over BGN 5 billion for the current program period until 2027 under two European programs - Program "Competitiveness and Innovations in Enterprises" (PCIE) and Program "Research, innovation and digitization for intelligent transformation" (PRIDIT).

"From the Plan for recovery and sustainability, nearly 50 companies from the Shumen region will receive over BGN 5 million under the procedures "Technological modernization" and "ICT solutions and cyber security", said Minister Stoicheva. She recalled that currently two open procedures can be applied for under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan. The first is for the development of industrial zones and parks with a budget of BGN 212.5 million. Documents for it are submitted until November 5, with Northern Bulgaria being a priority in order to reduce regional imbalances in the country. The second is for the transition to a circular economy. The budget is BGN 180 million, and the application deadline is October 3. Micro, small, medium and large enterprises from the processing industry can apply for the implementation of "green" methods and technologies for their productions.

Minister Stoicheva also visited the factory of "Alcomet" - the largest Bulgarian producer of aluminum products and investor of the year for 2022. Over 1,200 employees work in the enterprise. The company invests in new technologies and improvement of existing facilities. The new investment plan of "Alcomet" AD is worth BGN 137 million and will be implemented within three years. The investment plan envisages various projects such as the expansion of Roll Shop 2, the construction of a second Foundry Shop, a high-tech coil casting line, new high-tech presses in the Press Shop, a new passivation line in the Automotive Shop, and others.