Minister Nikolov: Demographic policy must be a national priority

"Regardless of the dynamic rates of development of digitization and technology, without any doubt people are the main resource with which policies in all spheres must be taken into account. That is why demographic policy should be a national priority". This was said by the Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. Petko Nikolov at the opening of the "Demographic Future of Bulgaria" forum. Investments in technology, infrastructure and human capital”.

"The Ministry of Economy and Industry works to retain people in Bulgaria by opening new jobs and incentives for development," said Minister Nikolov. He added that the MII is also committed to encouraging the return of our compatriots from abroad. "When institutions and business join forces, we will be able to convince young people to return to Bulgaria," said Dr. Nikolov.

"In times of shortage of personnel, our country must be able to develop and invest to the maximum extent in the capacity of the available and future human capital", the minister emphasized. According to him, overcoming regional inequalities in economic development are key to the demographic revitalization of our country.

Dr. Petko Nikolov announced that the policies implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Industry are aimed at attracting foreign investors and creating business conditions in smaller settlements as a measure against the demographic crisis. According to him, this includes creating an industrial ecosystem by building industrial parks throughout the country. The minister recalled that one of the main problems faced by investors in Bulgaria is precisely the lack of qualified labor.

He also announced that active programs for dual education are being considered in the medium term, targeted with priority in areas where there is a need to create new jobs and in those that are changing their economic profile.

Minister Nikolov emphasized the fact that almost two-thirds of small and medium-sized enterprises are located in five of Bulgaria's major cities, and 42% of the total added value of the manufactured products was generated in Sofia. Dr. Nikolov added that the least developed is the Northwest region with a share of 5.6% of the total added value.

Economists, teachers, scientists, trade union representatives, ministers and politicians attended the forum, organized by "Standart" village and dedicated to the demographic future of Bulgaria. Among them were the Minister of Social Affairs Ivaylo Ivanov, the Minister of Health Dr. Galya Kondeva, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at SU Prof. Lyubomir Spasov, the Vice-Chairman of KRIB Prof. Nikolay Vulkanov and others.