Economy Minister Emil Karanikolov: Bulgaria Is Still in the Race for the Volkswagen Plant

Bulgaria offers new competitive conditions for Volkswagen plant and it is still in the race for the Volkswagen plant, said Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov.

Like Turkey, Bulgaria has also made the company a tempting offer and is now awaiting its decision. For two countries to remain in the race out of a total of 20 to begin with, that in itself is a sign of appreciation, Minister Karanikolov said and added that in recent months one of the biggest strategic car assembly investors has been displaying an interest in the country. the ambition is to create around 120,000 new jobs, to have around 500 companies in the Bulgarian automobile industry, BNR reported.

We recall that, the efforts of the government for the strategic investment of Volkswagen in Bulgaria continue. This became clear after a meeting of representatives of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and ministers on July 17, BNT reported. 

Turkey is chosen to continue negotiatiations with it preferentially, but that does not mean that the negotiation process is over for Bulgaria and it does not mean that the country has no chance for the Volkswagen plant. The statement came from a member of the Management Board of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria and former President of Bulgaria in the period 2011 - 2016, Rossen Plevneliev. Until a contract is signed, each of the countries can be chosen, he said.

He added that work with Volkswagen and meetings of negotiating teams would continue in the next months.