When we have more consumption, it drives our economy. It is extremely important to increase the incomes of the most vulnerable sections of society, such as pensioners, and not rely on benefits only around major holidays. This was stated by the Minister of Economy in resignation, Bogdan Bogdanov, in the program "Face to Face". on BTV.
„We have not had individual conversations with Prime Minister Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel. We have presented our priorities and a report of the current period," he pointed out.
„We have calculations that show what our losses are from not being accepted in Schengen. Direct and indirect benefits for our country from our acceptance by air and sea in Schengen are about BGN 42 million. The substantial benefits will be seen when we are also accepted in land Schengen. The total effect will be about BGN 1.1 billion per year. This mainly includes heavy goods transport, the benefits for Bulgarian business - 500 million. There are some 540 million BGN additional benefits, alternative incomes by saving time for waiting at the borders, explained the Minister of Economy.
„If the active dialogue with Austria continues, I am optimistic that we will be accepted in Schengen. Migrant pressure is decreasing. We see the real economic benefits of the admission of Bulgaria and Romania. I hope that reason will prevail and by the end of the year we will become a full member of Schengen, Minister Bogdanov pointed out.
„The average annual inflation for February fell to levels around 3.3%. We expect the trend to continue. Savings in Bulgaria are growing. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to raise average wages,” he added.
In his words, there are foreign investments in our country, but there is still much to be desired. "In our country, there is a feeling that the institutions are not functioning as they should, investments also depend on a proper reform of the judicial system,", it was clear from his words.