On 05.02.2025, a meeting of representatives of the Bulgarian electrical industry with journalists from selected media was held. In an extremely pleasant atmosphere, current data on the industry were presented, and three problems faced by Bulgarian companies were discussed.
The first is that over 60% of public tenders are won by companies from countries outside the EU, such as China and Turkey. BASEL appeals to the Bulgarian state to introduce the practice in Germany, Romania and France of excluding countries that have not signed CEFTA from participating in tenders. This will stimulate Bulgarian production and competitiveness.
The second problem is the lack of labor at all levels. The reasons are the bloated staff and high salaries in state-owned energy enterprises and the long deadlines and cumbersome procedure for hiring labor from third countries. The industry is already hiring employees from Uzbekistan, Nepal, the Philippines, and even from Italy. However, if the state does not take measures to reduce the distortion of the labor market and facilitate the hiring of workers from third countries, the issue of personnel will become catastrophic.
The third problem is that there is no state policy to support the development of the industry and the complex procedures for participation in European programs. Due to the general uncertainty in the country, potential investors cannot decide whether to invest their money in Bulgaria. Without a state policy to support Bulgarian production and a vision for the development of the labor market, the problems in the electrical and electronics industry will only deepen.
The first is that over 60% of public tenders are won by companies from countries outside the EU, such as China and Turkey. BASEL appeals to the Bulgarian state to introduce the practice in Germany, Romania and France of excluding countries that have not signed CEFTA from participating in tenders. This will stimulate Bulgarian production and competitiveness.
The second problem is the lack of labor at all levels. The reasons are the bloated staff and high salaries in state-owned energy enterprises and the long deadlines and cumbersome procedure for hiring labor from third countries. The industry is already hiring employees from Uzbekistan, Nepal, the Philippines, and even from Italy. However, if the state does not take measures to reduce the distortion of the labor market and facilitate the hiring of workers from third countries, the issue of personnel will become catastrophic.
The third problem is that there is no state policy to support the development of the industry and the complex procedures for participation in European programs. Due to the general uncertainty in the country, potential investors cannot decide whether to invest their money in Bulgaria. Without a state policy to support Bulgarian production and a vision for the development of the labor market, the problems in the electrical and electronics industry will only deepen.