Minister Nikolov: New industrial zones in Stara Zagora and Aksakovo will stimulate economic development
During the parliamentary control, the Acting Minister of Economy and Industry Petko Nikolov presented key initiatives for the development of industrial parks and zones in the country. He emphasized the strategic projects for the construction of new industrial zones in Stara Zagora and Aksakovo, which are part of the Concept for the development of industrial parks and zones with a horizon of 2028.
The industrial and logistics hub in Stara Zagora will be located on an area of 2,200 decares, on the site of the former airport, located about 15 kilometers from the city. The owner of the land is the State Consolidation Company, and the project can be implemented through a public-private partnership. On the other hand, the industrial park in Aksakovo will be built on an area of about 4,500 acres and has the potential to become an object of national importance.
The minister revealed that the estimated cost of the procedures for the two industrial parks amounts to about BGN 12 million, with BGN 3.5 million planned for the project in Stara Zagora, and BGN 8.5 million for the one in Aksakovo. "Although funding has not yet been secured, various options are being considered to procure the necessary funds, including through instruments of the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," the minister said.
In response to a question from an MP, Minister Nikolov emphasized that there is currently no industrial park on the territory of Blagoevgrad municipality, although the National Company "Industrial Zones" (NCIZ) owns property in Simitli. "This 150-acre property is the subject of a transaction that is expected to be finalized by the end of August, and foresees an investment of about BGN 5 million and the creation of 25 new jobs," he explained.
The Minister recalled that the Concept for the Development of Industrial Parks and Zones aims to create conditions for attracting strategic investors to the country through a regional approach and engagement with specific sectors. The document examines a total of eight projects, which include both the modernization of existing industrial parks and the construction of new ones.
The projects include the industrial park in Bozhurishte, the industrial logistics park in Burgas, the industrial parks in Vidin and Pleven-Telish, the free zone in Ruse, the economic zone in Dobroslavtsi, as well as the new projects in Stara Zagora and Aksakovo. These projects will be implemented through the main instrument of the Ministry of Economy for the implementation of the industrial policy - the National Company "Industrial Zones".
In conclusion, Minister Nikolov emphasized that the Concept for the Development of Industrial Parks and Zones is an important step towards the development of the National Industrial Strategy. It will lay down the development policy not only on the grounds of NCIZ, but also on all industrial parks in the country, as the main priority will be support for the transition to a green and circular economy and the construction of energy-efficient projects for clean energy and green transport.