BIA STANDPOINT ON THE INDUSTRIAL PARKS ACT

BIA has sent its statement on the Law on Amendment and Supplement to the Industrial Parks Act published for public consultations to the Council of Ministers.

The Bulgarian Industrial Association expresses its principled support for legislative proposals that lead to avoiding corrupt practices, conflict of interest and improving the business environment.

Industrial parks (IPs) are a commonly used instrument of regional policy to enhance economic viability and social equality. Their successful operation can increase the efficiency of land use and, by attracting investment, create high added value throughout the country. However, the establishment of IPs requires significant initial investments in the construction of their infrastructure and the preparation of plots, which is often implemented through public financial instruments.

In this context, industrial parks (IPs) play an important role in achieving sustainable development. They serve as tools for sustainable development, promoting economic growth while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and society. The industrial park serves as a strategically developed by the government instrument for the implementation of industrial policies, with the main purpose of attracting investment and promoting overall economic growth and development.

By removing the possibility of participation of the state or state-owned companies in the creation and management of industrial parks, an essential tool for management and implementation of a purposeful national policy is taken away. The proposed changes limit the participation of enterprises in which the State has no decisive participation in decision-making, i.e., there is a minority share, but they generally find themselves excluded from the possibility of participation in such an initiative.

Eliminating the possibility of state ownership in industrial parks will lead to inequality and distortion of competition between existing parks and newly created ones.