The successful model for development of the industrial sector in Plovdiv and the region, as well as the growing potential of the IT&BPO fields in the city were a main theme at the working meeting between Deputy Mayor Stefan Stoyanov and the new Trade Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy Philippe Kupfer. This is Kupfer’s first official visit to Plovdiv.
“Plovdiv is growing at a very fast pace, there are more than 20,000 registered foreigners from around the world who live and work in the city. This is the largest industrial center in Bulgaria and one of the largest in Southeast Europe, with over 74,000 employees in manufacturing “said Stoyanov. He added that Trakia Economic Zone, home to many leading international companies, is one of the most popular places for investment, leading to the creation of more jobs.
At the end of July, the Plovdiv bicycle manufacturer Maxcom announced the construction of a new plant in partnership with the Austrian giant Pierer Group – a leading manufacturer of motorcycles and bicycles, part of which are KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas. The investment envisages the construction of a factory for electric bicycles and other two-wheeled electric vehicles in Plovdiv, which will give a strong impetus to the local economy and the new Bulgarian industry.
Another main topic discussed at the meeting was education. Kupfer was impressed by the digitalization of the educational process in Plovdiv and expressed a desire to personally see how schools implement it on his next visit.
He also shared that approximately 35,000 Bulgarians live in Austria, including many Bulgarian students.
“This is a great exchange between our nations – socially and economically, and a wonderful way to strengthen the Bulgarian-Austrian connections,” Kupfer added.
