The biggest problem facing the military and other industries in Bulgaria is the shortage of engineers and workers, announced in an interview for the program “120 minutes“ on bTV, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev.
“The young, capable engineer today is like a transfer footballer – investors are competing for it“, Donchev announced.
According to him, the problem is that young people and their parents do not know about Bulgaria's industrial potential and very few children are studying to be engineers.
Donchev confirmed that work is underway to build two plants of the German concern “Rheinmetall“ in Bulgaria and specified that this is just the beginning.
“When the investment starts, it can be expanded with more high-tech production“, added the Deputy Prime Minister.
He pointed out that the factories will give the country the capacity to produce ammunition and equipment on its territory.
Donchev commented on the visit of the chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party and also Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov to Beijing.
According to him, the tension was not created by the government, but by “jealousy that someone was not invited“.
He emphasized that China is “a civilization, not just a country“ and Bulgaria should look for new economic opportunities there.
Donchev recalled that he himself had been part of delegations to Beijing in previous years and had talked with the government.
When asked whether he would go this time if invited, he replied: “That is another question“.
According to Donchev, Bulgaria's participation in a possible peacekeeping mission after the end of the war in Ukraine is too sensitive a topic.
He emphasized that the country is literally on the edge of the conflict, which explains the caution of society. However, Bulgaria can actively participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine - especially through construction and industry, the Deputy Prime Minister believes.