26 Sep 2025
With over BGN 560 million in investments, the zone strengthens Stara Zagora’s position as a center for green industry and innovation
Established in 2018 as part of the Municipality of Stara Zagora’s long-term economic development strategy, “Zagore Industrial Zone” has steadily become a key driver of the region’s modernization. In 2025, the project received high recognition — an honorary plaque in the category “Industrial Zone Certified as a Priority Investment Project” in the “Investor of the Year 2024” competition, organized by the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BIA) under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. According to the company, their main mission is to develop modern industrial zones and parks designed with focus on sustainability, advanced infrastructure, and administrative support — all crucial conditions for successful investment projects in manufacturing, logistics, and high-tech industries.
The company currently manages two active stages — “Zagore Industrial Zone” and the industrial park “Zagore Industrial Zone” in the village of Elenino. Preparation is also underway for a third industrial park on the grounds of the former Stara Zagora airport, spanning more than 2000 decares. According to the company, the zones offer a strategic location, developed infrastructure, transparent administrative procedures, and opportunities for the growth of green and innovative industries.
“Investments lead to more investments,” the company notes. Across the two development stages, more than BGN 560 million have already been invested, creating over 2300 jobs. The first projects in both zones started “from greenfield” — a clear sign of investor trust and long-term commitment.
These investments include Smart Solar Technologies, awarded the “Golden Bull” for “Greenfield Investment,” as well as SUNOTEC — a European leader in the construction of photovoltaic power plants, contributing to the green energy mix across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With these key projects, the industrial park in Elenino is already positioning itself as a “green industrial hub”.
According to the company’s leadership, the development of industrial zones is not only an economic factor but also a social one — creating jobs, attracting external capital, and expanding the municipality’s tax base. The region’s strong base of qualified labor further supports Stara Zagora’s appeal as an investment destination.
The municipality notes that the push for economic development, the need to attract foreign capital, and the better territorial distribution of employment show that the Stara Zagora region has significant potential to create favorable conditions for economic activity. Because of this, the Municipality of Stara Zagora and “Zagore Industrial Zone” AD work in close partnership to modernize and expand industrial infrastructure, including the creation of a third, even more innovative and large-scale industrial park.
With the recognition from the Bulgarian Investment Agency, “Zagore Industrial Zone” not only gains acknowledgment — it solidifies its position as a key player on Bulgaria’s new industrial map. Looking ahead, the zone is establishing itself as an engine of modern industry — a place where strategic location, ready infrastructure, and strong municipal support meet the ambitions of investors. This is how Stara Zagora is steadily becoming one of the country’s emerging industrial centers, with the potential to lead in high-tech and sustainable business.
