At a special press conference, the Bulgarian Government presented its program, called `People are Bulgaria`s Asset.` The 195 pages long document was presented to parliamentary groups floor leaders, representatives of the syndicates and journalists. Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg did not attend the press conference because of his official visit to Belgium. Saxe-Coburg presented the governmental program first during a meeting with Romano Prodi, European Commission President. Prodi commented that he is impressed with the governmental program of the Cabinet and its economic part in particular. Prodi said that the idea for micro-crediting funds is an extremely rational measure, aiming at economic growth and fight against unemployment. The anti-corruption measures were approved by the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen. He was positive about the social orientation of the governmental program. Deputy Prime Minister Nikolay Vassilev pointed out that the programme envisages attracting considerable foreign investment of 1,000 - 1,200 million dollars in 2002 - 2005. `Most of the investment is to come from the European Union and Northern America,` he said. Also in the priorities of the programme are the introduction of a new tax policy, aggressive incentives for the export of Bulgarian goods and services to traditional and new markets.` The development of the finance sector and the capital markets will be our priority`, said Vassilev. Higher employment provided through active measures on the labour market, just distribution of social aids through setting up a single information index of the people in need, carrying out reforms in the social services directed towards de-institutionalized, completing the reforms in social insurance, constructive social dialogue and a new incomes policy. These priorities were presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister Lydia Shouleva. By the end of the year a Guarantee Fund for Micro-Credits will be launched to promote small and medium-sized enterprises. `Currently, a National Action Plan in Employment in 2002 is being drafted. By the end of next year a Social-Investment Fund will be set up,` Shouleva said.

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