Turkish investors are interested in the industrial zones of NCIZ
The companies operate in light industry, machine-building and robotics
"National Company Industrial Zones" (NCIZ) presented the opportunities for investments in the industrial zones from its portfolio to more than 300 Turkish businessmen within a large forum organized by the Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Bulgaria. The event "Opportunities for Trading and Investment in Bulgaria" took place during the biggest Bulgarian exhibition - Plovdiv International Technical Fair.
Companies from the light and heavy industry sectors showed interest in the zones in Sofia-Bozhurishte, Burgas, Ruse and Svilengrad. Specific inquiries from the Turkish business were also made for the zone in Vidin. Economic zone Svilengrad appeared to be of great interest to companies operating in road infrastructure and foreign trade activities. The proximity of the zone to the Turkish border makes it attractive for those looking for quick logistical links. Turkish companies from the arms production, light industry and mechanical engineering sectors made inquiries about the opportunities for buying or renting land in Industrial and Logistic Park - Burgas.
High-tech and light industry companies from Turkey have shown interest in positioning their productions in Sofia-Bozhurishte Economic Zone. One inquiry has been made by a large robotics company and a current partner of one of the world's leading manufacturers of white goods. The zone in Bozurishte offers access to a number of specialized secondary and higher education institutions that can provide highly qualified staff. The company has already been assisted by NCIZ in establishing initial contact with the National School of Robotics during the forum. The aim is for the company to obtain preliminary information as to the available specialists.
Turkish companies appreciate the advantages of our country as an investment location and a trading partner. Particular attention is paid to Bulgaria as a gateway for Turkish investors and businesses to the single European market. This potential is reflected in an increasing number of Turkish companies lookng to locate their production operations in Bulgaria as well as identify long-term trading partners.
Bilateral trade volume for the first eight months of 2017 has marked a 20% increase as compared to the same period last year, with turnover reaching $4.5 billion in 2016, said the chief commercial counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Bulgaria Mr. Emrah Sazak.
Over the period from 2009 to 2016, Turkey's imports into Bulgaria increased by 90% and exports by 80%. The same is true for tourism and investment. So far, Turkish companies have created 10,000 jobs in Bulgaria.
Following the considerable interest demonstrated by Turkish companies in the industrial zones of NCIZ and their investment potential, an invitation for the company to present its projects during a business forum in Istanbul has been extended. The event will take place in spring of 2018. Fekret Indje, President of the Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry further reaffirmed that there was great potential to boost trade and investment between Bulgaria and Turkey. Bulgaria is a country where Turkish companies can invest without any concerns, said Indje, further outlining the importance of Bulgaria's membership in the EU.
The participants in the forum were also addressed by Hussein Ergani, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Plovdiv, Osman Ak, Chairman of the Turkish-Bulgarian Business Council at the Council for Foreign Economic Relations of the Republic of Turkey, and Emrah Sazak, Chief Trade Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. The free zones in Ruse and Svilengrad, Industrial and Logistic Park - Burgas and Varna-West Industrial Zone were represented by their executive directors.
