16 Jul 2026
The second phase of Zagore Industrial Zone’s development was officially inaugurated today in the presence of representatives of national and local government, businesses and institutions. The milestone marks the completion of “AttractInvestZagore – Stimulating Economic Growth in the Region by Creating Favourable Conditions for Investors in Zagore – Elenino Industrial Zone”.
The project is funded under BG-RRP-3.007, the Programme for Public Support for the Development of Industrial Areas, Parks and Similar Sites and for Attracting Investment (“AttractInvestBG”), within the “Smart Industry” priority axis of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Its total value is approximately BGN 17 million, including more than BGN 3 million in funding from the beneficiary’s own resources.
The ceremony began with a blessing for health and the successful use of the facilities, conducted by parish priests from the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Stara Zagora.
Radoslav Tanev, Executive Director of Industrial Zone Zagore AD, emphasised that the opening of the newly built infrastructure creates new opportunities for economic development in Stara Zagora and the region. “Our goal is to attract investment and create quality jobs, and the first factories are already in place,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that Stara Zagora would continue to develop as Bulgaria’s economic heart and that the results achieved so far provide motivation for the continued development of Zagore Industrial Zone, including its third phase on the site of Stara Zagora’s former airport.
Krasimir Yakinov, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, described the expansion of Zagore Industrial Zone as a key condition for attracting new investment, creating quality jobs and increasing the region’s export potential. He noted that tangible results are already evident: much of the industrial land has been committed to investors, while announced investment plans total nearly EUR 300 million, with the potential to create more than 1,300 new jobs.
“Today, we are launching an infrastructure project of exceptional importance for the Stara Zagora region. This is a very positive sign for the region’s future development,” Krasimir Yakinov stated.
Following the project’s implementation, the Zagore Industrial Zone industrial park in Elenino now offers investors fully prepared plots with completed infrastructure, utility connections and road access in accordance with an approved detailed development plan.
The project improved the industrial park’s connectivity through the complete reconstruction of municipal road SZR 1190, linking Stara Zagora, Hristiyanovo, Kaloyanovets, Lovets, Mihaylovo and Vodenicharovo, providing easier and more efficient access to the zone.
A sustainable water supply and sewerage system has been built to meet the needs of future industrial enterprises. The project also includes a new car park with 94 spaces for passenger vehicles, including four accessible spaces and four spaces for electric vehicles served by two charging stations, as well as six spaces for trucks and buses.
Following the official ceremony, Radoslav Tanev, Executive Director of Industrial Zone Zagore AD; Deputy Mayors Radostin Tanev and architect Martin Paskalev; and Deputy Minister Krasimir Yakinov cut the ribbon, marking the opening of the newly built infrastructure for use.
Other official guests included Stoyan Temelkov and Hristena Angelova from the Directorate General for European Funds for Competitiveness at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth; Yuliyan Balchev, Secretary General of the InvestBulgaria Agency; Maria Ivanova, Chief Expert in the agency’s Marketing and Investment Services Directorate; and Andreana Premyanova, Chair of the Board of Directors of National Company Industrial Zones EAD.
Municipal councillors, representatives of investors in the industrial park and representatives of the contractors also attended.
Through the implementation of priority investment projects, the industrial park in Elenino is establishing itself as a “green industrial hub”, demonstrating the successful application of sustainable policies for environmentally responsible development.
