We are taking immediate and lightning-fast measures to support business, Minister of Economy Lachezar Borisov promised at a briefing today after the health authorities announced that from 22 to 31 March kindergartens, schools, restaurants will operate only with home/office delivery, while malls and shops over 300 sq.m. m., gaming halls, cinemas, etc., will be shut down, BGNES reported

"We set great store by people's health, but we are also worried about the health of the notional economy. Support will be provided to absolutely all eligible sectors affected by the health minister's new order, which we expect to be issued. Immediately after it, we will proceed with our work on notification to the EC, with the idea to continue the innovative procedure we developed together with the National Revenue Agency (NRA).

With it, the NRA has already become a payment agency so that the affected businesses can be supported within these 10 days", Borisov said.

The Minister of Economy confirmed that platform has already been developed, and his ministry is working in good communication with all parties concerned. Companies will also be able to apply before notification by the EC to save time.

In parallel, Lachezar Borisov assured, the measures continue under the programs of the Labor Ministry, such as payroll support initiatives 60/40, 80/20, "Keep me" and 75/0.

"The goal is to reach each of the companies in need", the economic minister also pointed out, adding that the measures funded through the Bulgarian Development Bank are also continuing. From next week, those for individuals will come into effect, for which another BGN 100 million has been allocated.

Measures to support companies with an 80% guarantee scheme are also implemented. Measures financed through the Fund of Funds are also on the market.

"We have a resource, we will cope," Lachezar Borisov assured. /BGNES