Private interests and initiative are at the basis of the development of an industrial zone but without the support and understanding of institutions, it cannot continue to exist and develop in the long-term, commented participants in the Doing Business in Bulgaria conference organised by Capital daily in Plovdiv.

According to companies working in the region, the industrial zone in and around Plovdiv has been developing over the last 20 years thanks to the unity of various structures.

“In my opinion, there is no universal formula for success but it is certain that what is unique as an advantage is the existence of private enterprise initiative,” stated Deputy PM Tomislav Donchev.

According to Tommy Ver Elst, general manager at Sensata Technologies, the open investment climate of Plovdiv was one of the key moments when deciding that the company should move there. The other factor is the opportunity for development. In his opinion, the successful formula includes the joint efforts of private businesses, the state and the educational system.

Diana Dimitrova, head of Corporate Banking at Cibank, commented that access to credits is not a problem for investors. What they are interested in are partnerships, projects, profits.