In my work as a Government Minister I am focusing my efforts particularly on the realignment of the construction sector, on the reduction of the share that the shadow economy has in it and on ways to ensure that bona fide construction companies can win go

In my work as a Government Minister I am focusing my efforts particularly on the realignment of the construction sector, on the reduction of the share that the shadow economy has in it and on ways to ensure that bona fide construction companies can win government contracts, said Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Valentin Tserovski in his address to the participants in the opening session of the Fourth Investment Forum on Construction and went on to pledge the Ministry’s commitment to transparency in everything and at all levels. Valentin Tserovski further pointed out that the series of construction forums held this year was a sign of the sector’s recovery. The question that all such meetings should try and answer, the Minister went on to say, is about the most efficient investment schemes in the sector and about the reduction of bureaucracy and red tape. Another important issue in Mr. Tserovski’s view is the strengthening of the Bulgarian companies’ competitiveness vis-à-vis the big international players in the construction market. Major infrastructure development projects are in the pipeline for Bulgaria: we are ready to launch this process and I have no doubt that the Government will successfully meet the challenge, the Minister stated. He assured the Bulgarian construction companies of a meaningful role in infrastructure development, provided however that they were prepared for fair competition with the international bidders. Speaking of major investment projects in infrastructure and the energy sector, we are very encouraged by the expected 15 per cent growth next year, said, addressing the Forum, Simeon Peshov, President of the Bulgarian Construction Chamber. This means that by 2007 the Bulgarian construction companies will have to deliver a volume of works twice as high as current figure. The Forum organiser, Optimum Centre, presented Minister Tserovski with a token Membership Card No.1 of the growing community of developers, building contractors, financial institutions and hoteliers. [Caption] Mrs. Iva Georgieva, Manager of Optimum Centre, presenting Minister Tserovski with a token Membership Card 1 of the Forum. Public Relations and International Cooperation Directorate