Burgas and Edirne plan to build industrial zones together

The Bulgarian city of Burgas and the Turkish city of Edirne are planning to jointly build industrial zones in order to boost economic investments. The governments of the Burgas region and Edirne province are considering signing an agreement based on the Edirne Platform for the Cooperation of Balkan Cities. This came after a delegation led by Burgas region governor Maria Neikova paid a two-day visit to Edirne at the invitation of the governors of Edirne and Kirklareli, the Burgas regional administration said in a press release on Friday.

The visiting delegation included mayors and other officials of the municipalities of Burgas, Malko Tarnovo, Tsarevo, Kameno, Sungurlare and Ruen, as well as members of the Burgas university community. They were accompanied by the Bulgarian Consul General in Edirne and the Turkish Consul General in Burgas.

The two sides discussed proposals for bilateral cooperation. Neikova said: “All the necessary conditions for intensive bilateral cooperation exist on both sides and excellent opportunities exist for expanding it, including through the conclusion of cross-border partnership agreements and twinning of municipalities for the purpose of managing natural disasters and technological accidents, preventing and combating forest fires, and carrying out reforestation, sports, cultural and educational activities.”

According to Neikova, the priority should be to expand the border crossings of Malko Tarnovo and Derekoy. The two sides will build a joint fish farming and processing centre. Bulgarian companies operating in the paper industry could establish manufacturing plants in Edirne.