A contract between Bulgaria and UK international consultancy Crown Agents is to be concluded by the end of 2001, Milen Velchev, Bulgarian Finance Minister, announced. Under the contract the British Crown Agents are to provide consultancy to the Bulgarian Cabinet on customs reform and the collection of taxes, tariffs and excise duties in particular. The consultant was chosen without competition. For the time being the Government plans no opening of concessions on customs offices. Minister Velchev expressed the hope that an agreement with the International Monetary fund will be reached before the end of 2001. The IMF mission will arrive in Bulgaria no December 5, 2001.