EVENTS

Ms. Jordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia Municipality at the business breakfast with BBLF members and friends.

"Compared to other municipalities, Sofia Municipality is currently the most reliable payer to the business and this is the result of the sound financial policies of the municipality in recent years," stated Jordanka Fandakova to more than 70 representatives of small and large companies, at the business breakfast organized by the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum.

Ms. Fandakova noted that the most difficult task at the moment is establishing a balance between the municipality and the business which will lead to a sustainable urban environment. To achieve this balance, Sofia municipality will set more stringent controls on its activities planned for 2010.

The municipality's budget for 2010 is increased by a 100 million in comparison to the budget for 2009. This is achieved without increasing taxes and with the help of EU grants from operational programs. It is fact that over 30% of the country's GDP is generated in the capital city, mostly as a result of direct foreign investment. This leads to the creation of 12 000 to 18 000 jobs in the capital each year. 

The municipality's ambitions for 2010 include the renovation of urban transport, construction of a total of 2500 parking spaces near the Tsarigradsko highway and Metro stations 8 and 11. The introduction of an eco fee for vehicles going through the city center, in order to alleviate traffic and reduce pollution in this area, will be possible after the municipality provides alternative modes of transportation for citizens in the capital. The municipality has set aside 120 million euro for the expansion of water network in Sofia and another 60 million euro to clean up the city.

Ms. Fandakova shared with the BBLF members that the Sofia Municipality will strive to preserve the amount of investments in the city and to promote competition by ensuring transparency in tender procedures. The Minicipality, however, will expect socially responsible behavior on behalf of the business in the capital because corporate responsibility can contribute to building a sustainable urban environment.

Ms. Maria Shishkova, Chair of BBLF, expressed the Forum's readiness to establish a working group cooperate with the municipality on various issues, related to both - the business and the residents of the capital.