More cargo, more revenue, and more investments. This is our policy regarding the Port of Varna. This can only be achieved through better governance. The Varna Port needs a strategic partner to develop it as a regional hub along the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov said at a meeting with trade union organizations at the Port of Varna. The meeting was attended by the President of the CITUB, Plamen Dimitrov, the Chairman of the National Security Council, Krassimir Mitov, and representatives of the Podkrepa Labor Union.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications is working with the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to prepare a full analysis of the development opportunities at the terminals Varna-East, Varna-West and Varna Ferry Complex. The necessary investments exceed EUR 500 million, including a new berth No. 18 and the ability to service ships with draft of up to 13.5 meters.
The Deputy Prime Minister reminded that he had made a commitment to meet personally with the trade unions and the management of the port to discuss the vision for the future of Varna. “I promised I would come in person. I want the conversation about the Port of Varna to be open, because only together can we determine the direction of development,” the Minister said.
“We all want what is best for the port – more cargo and revenues, investments in modern infrastructure and equipment, as well as a sustainable increase in the incomes of the people who work here,” Karadzhov emphasized. He added that Bulgaria has underestimated the role of Varna for decades, but now is the time to change that. “Varna should become not only a gateway to Bulgaria, but a regional hub for the transit of goods to Northern and Western Europe,” the Minister of Transport said.
The Deputy Prime Minister gave the example of the Port of Burgas, where after the concession the average salaries have increased by over 230% in ten years. “When it comes to investing, people should feel the result in their salaries,” the Minister said.
“Our goal is clear – to preserve the state interest, modernize the infrastructure and provide Varna with a future as a modern, efficient and socially responsible port. The concession of the port of Varna is not a cession of state property, but the pouring of more investments in it. This can only be achieved through permanent dialogue and partnership between the state, trade unions and workers,” he added.
Minister Karadzhov thanked the trade unions for the constructive conversation and stated that the Port of Varna has the potential to be a symbol of socially responsible development and economic strength.
The full statement of the Deputy Prime Minister to trade union organizations can be read in the attached file.
