American companies are interested in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country

American companies are interested in implementing infrastructure projects in Bulgaria and are ready to strengthen their presence in the country.

This became clear during a videoconference meeting of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Petya Avramova with the US Ambassador to Bulgaria  Her Excellency Herro Mustafa.  The conversation was also attended by the members of the Management Board of the Road Infrastructure Agency prof. Oleg Asenov and Eng.   Ivan Dosev.

Ambassador Mustafa thanked for the constructive partnership between the Ministry of Regional Development and the American Embassy in Bulgaria.  She congratulated the Bulgarian Government for the measures it has taken to ensure the safety of people during the coronavirus pandemic.   

At the meeting, Minister Avramova stressed that even during the state of emergency the work on the major infrastructure projects in the country did not stop.  She said that the ministry's efforts were to ensure that the construction sector, which last year was one of the engines of economic growth in Bulgaria, continued to work at the same pace.

"The work of the construction companies will help the economic stabilisation of the country and the recovery from the crisis not only because more than 200 thousand people work in construction, but also with the implementation of the accompanying economic activities such as the supply of materials, consumables and machinery - also important for the recovery of part of the country's economy," Avramova said.

The Minister briefed Ambassador Mustafa on the major infrastructure projects currently under construction - the Hemus and Europe motorways, as well as the Vidin - Botevgrad expressway in the sections of Mezdra - Botevgrad and Vidin - Makresh.   

"The construction of a tunnel under Shipka is also planned, for which a public tender has been announced", explained Petya Avramova and added that a procedure for the construction of the Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo road is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Another strategic object in the government's plans is the completion of the Black Sea Motorway, for which opportunities are being sought through public-private partnership.

"We want to have quality and safe construction," Minister Avramova stressed in the conversation and was adamant that all companies that have the capacity to implement such infrastructure projects can join the public tenders.