Unemployment will be reduced significantly by end-2002, Deputy Prime Minister and Social Minister Lidia Shuleva said in Velingrad. She pointed out that BGN 150 M, four times more than in 2001, have been allotted in the budget for opening of new jobs. Shuleva added that 2,000 temporary jobs will be opened, 50,000 unemployed will be re-qualified and trained. The Employment Agency reported a fall in the unemployment rate last week. The registered unemployed people are down by 36,000 over March, and 15,000 over February. Experts explain the fall by the higher number of vacant places, the revitalizing of the labour market and the increase of offered places under the programs for employment encouragement. The preferences, granted to employers, also played a major role. Sofia enjoys the lowest unemployment rate – 23%, while Turgovishte – the highest – 33%.