Vasil Shtonov, caretaker Minister of Economy and Energy, photo by BGNES
Over the past three years, revenues from exports of industrial production have amounted to over BGN 600 M a year, according to Bulgarian caretaker Economy and Energy Minister Vasil Shtonov.
Speaking Friday at an industrial forum in Sofia, Shtonov pointed out that revenues from exports of industrial output had increased by over 30% from the years of 2008 and 2009, when the rate had been at BGN 450 M.
Shtonov emphasized that over 15 000 workers were involved in the industry sector.
He informed that 95% of the output was export-oriented.
Bulgaria’s caretaker Economy and Energy Minister drew attention to the fact that the export volume of defense products remained unchanged and the proportion of this type of exports to EU and NATO countries and also countries outside NATO remained the same.
“Bulgarian made products are export-oriented, top-quality products at affordable prices, which makes them competitive on an international scale,” Shtonov stated, as cited by the Focus news agency.
He insisted that Bulgaria’s industry had to be part of the implementation of the national program “Bulgaria in NATO and EU Defense 2020.”
Shtonov argued that the involvement of Bulgarian companies in the production of these capabilities would stimulate production in sectors other than the military industry, which would have a positive impact on the entire economy.