Opportunities to attract new investment, support local economic growth and further develop Ruse's industrial potential were at the centre of a working meeting between Mayor of Ruse Pencho Milkov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Alexander Pulev, and Deputy Minister Mihaela Karadimova.The meeting highlighted Ruse's economic profile as one of Bulgaria's established industrial centres. The city's key competitive advantages include a strong manufacturing base, a university providing highly qualified professionals, a strategic location on the Danube and the potential to combine road, rail, river and

air transport.

Particular attention was paid to the future development of Ruse's existing industrial areas. The discussion focused on the need for mechanisms enabling traditional industrial zones with established infrastructure and operating companies to gain better access to national and European funding instruments. Investment in the modernisation of both internal and connecting infrastructure was also identified as an important factor for their future development.

Ruse – a Natural Gateway to European Markets

Ruse's cross-border location represents both a competitive challenge and a significant economic advantage. Its proximity to Giurgiu and Bucharest and direct access to the Romanian market enable companies based in Ruse to operate within a much broader economic region.

The discussions therefore addressed the need for more flexible administrative mechanisms for employing workers from Romania, as well as stronger positioning of Ruse as a natural gateway to the Romanian and Central European markets.

The Danube was also highlighted as a major logistics corridor connecting Bulgaria with Central Europe. Investment in port infrastructure and measures aimed at improving the predictability of navigation are considered essential for industry, international trade and future investment in the region.

Intermodal Terminal as a Strategic Connectivity Project

The development of an intermodal terminal in Ruse was among the strategic projects discussed during the meeting. Its implementation would enable more efficient integration of rail, road and river transport and strengthen Ruse's competitiveness as a logistics hub.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Pulev described Ruse as one of Bulgaria's key industrial and logistics centres, highlighting its strong industry, skilled workforce and strategic location as competitive advantages that can be further leveraged through active cooperation between national government, local authorities and the business community.

The meeting also addressed draft legislation on public-private partnerships, intended to facilitate cooperation between the state, municipalities and the private sector in delivering strategic infrastructure and investment projects.

Following the meeting, Mayor Pencho Milkov and Municipal Council Chairman Academician Hristo Beloev accompanied the Deputy Prime Minister on a visit to LVZ Industrial Park, where discussions focused on the park's development, future investment plans and the main challenges facing its operations.

The continued development of industrial areas, improvements in transport and logistics infrastructure and effective use of Ruse's cross-border location are key factors in strengthening the city's investment attractiveness. Its combination of industrial tradition, skilled human capital, university education, access to the Danube and immediate proximity to the Romanian market provides a strong foundation for attracting new manufacturing operations and long-term investment.

Source: Municipality of Ruse – “Mayor Pencho Milkov Welcomes Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Pulev to Ruse; City’s Industrial Development Discussed”

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