Minister Nikolov: Bulgarian Companies Participate Very Actively and are Increasingly Successful in NATO International Tenders

In 2023, Bulgarian companies secured contracts with two NATO agencies totaling over EUR 48 million.

Bulgarian companies across different sectors are actively engaging and finding growing success in NATO international tenders. In recent years, both the number and size of awarded and successfully completed contracts have risen significantly. In 2023 alone, Bulgarian companies won contracts with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) amounting to over EUR 48 million. This was announced by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Petko Nikolov, during the opening of the National Information Day, which focused on opportunities for Bulgarian companies and organizations to participate in NATO international procedures. The event also marked the twentieth anniversary of Bulgaria's membership in the Alliance. It gathered representatives from the Bulgarian defense industry, research, and academic organizations, and the two largest NATO agencies-the Communications and Information Agency and the Support and Procurement Agency. Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov also participated in the forum's opening.

Minister Nikolov noted that Bulgaria joining NATO has created new opportunities for Bulgarian industry, offering new forms and avenues for international collaboration. He stated that the Ministry of Economy and Industry has been diligently working over the years to establish the necessary administrative and regulatory framework to ensure Bulgarian enterprises can participate equally in NATO processes. "The industry, in turn, has shown that it is a dependable, competitive, and committed partner, with much to offer our Alliance partners," he remarked.

"The positive outcome of our collaborative efforts is evident - more than 170 Bulgarian companies are now registered in the Database of potential candidates for NATO international procedures, managed by the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Additionally, more than 200 companies are listed in the Support and Procurement Agency's database," Dr. Nikolov stressed in his speech.

He welcomed the forum participants, noting that the Bulgarian industry is competitive in international markets. It has extensive experience, technological capabilities, and significant human resources, enabling it to meet the growing expectations of the global environment.

Minister Nikolov encouraged business leaders to be proactive and take full advantage of the economic opportunities that our country's NATO membership offers. He noted that involvement in projects and programs for developing new defense technologies and integrating our industry into the supply chains of global manufacturers is becoming more increasingly feasible. "Companies generate long-term economic gains through innovation, expertise, technological advancements, and the establishment of new production capacities," the Minister of Economy added.

Dr. Nikolov confirmed that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will keep actively supporting all Bulgarian participation and will work towards successfully integrating and strengthening our industry's position in the Euro-Atlantic area.

"The evolving geopolitical and international security landscape is driving a substantial rise in defense spending. This presents more opportunities for businesses, which our industry must use to stay competitive in global markets," the Minister of the Economy said.

The National Information Day was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry and featured representatives from NATO's two largest agencies: the Communications and Information Agency and the Support and Procurement Agency. They informed Bulgarian business representatives about opportunities for Bulgarian companies and organizations to participate in NATO's international procedures. The forum also included representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the State Commission on Information Security.