Bulgarian companies from various sectors participate very actively and perform increasingly successfully in international NATO tender procedures. In recent years, the number and volume of concluded and successfully executed contracts has increased significantly. In 2023 alone, Bulgarian companies have concluded contracts with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and the NATO Support and Acquisition Agency (NSPA) worth more than 48 million euros. This was announced by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Petko Nikolov, during the opening of - National Information Day, dedicated to the opportunities for participation of Bulgarian companies and organizations in NATO international procedures, dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of Bulgaria's membership in the Alliance. The event brought together representatives of the Bulgarian defense industry, research and academic organizations, as well as the two largest NATO agencies - the Communications and Information Agency and the Support and Acquisition Agency. Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov also took part in the opening of the forum.
Minister Nikolov emphasized that Bulgaria's accession to NATO has opened up new horizons for the Bulgarian industry, new forms and opportunities for international cooperation. In his words, the Ministry of Economy and Industry has been working actively and consistently over the years to provide the necessary administrative and regulatory framework to guarantee the equal participation of Bulgarian enterprises in NATO procedures. “In turn, the industry has proven itself to be a reliable, competitive and loyal partner that has something to give to our Alliance partners,”, he pointed out.
„The positive result of our joint efforts is already there – the number of Bulgarian companies registered in the Database of potential candidates for participation in NATO international procedures, maintained by the Ministry of Economy and Industry, is over 170, and in the database of the Agency for Support and Acquisition – over 200”, emphasized Dr. Nikolov in his speech.
He welcomed the participants in the forum, noting that the Bulgarian industry is competitive on international markets, has vast experience, technological capabilities and serious human resources and can meet the increased expectations of the international environment.
Minister Nikolov called on business representatives to be more active and make the most of the economic benefits that our country's membership in NATO can bring them. He emphasized that participation in projects and programs for the development of new defense technologies, the integration of our industry into the supply chains of global manufacturers are increasingly possible. “Companies generate long-term economic benefits in the form of innovations, know-how, technological progress, implementation of new production facilities”, the economy minister also emphasized.
Dr. Nikolov assured that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to actively support any Bulgarian participation and work for the successful integration and strengthening of the positions of our industry in the Euro-Atlantic space.
„The changing geopolitical situation and international security environment lead to a significant increase in defense spending. These are more opportunities for enterprises, these are opportunities that our industry should take advantage of in order to maintain its competitiveness in the world markets”, emphasized the Minister of Economy.
The National Information Day is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry and it was attended by representatives of the two largest NATO agencies - the Communications and Information Agency and the Support and Acquisition Agency, who introduced the representatives of business in our country to the possibilities for the participation of Bulgarian companies and organizations in international NATO procedures. The forum was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the State Information Security Commission.