[size=75:2zblaumb]Focus 7 April 2010

World Bank to fund major projects in Bulgaria

The World Bank is likely to finance rehabilitation of Bulgarian road infrastructure (together with EU funds) and to provide technical assistance for the development of energy infrastructure of the state. These issues were under discussion during a meeting between Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Traicho Traikov in Washington with the President of the financial institution Robert B. Zoellick and WB Executive Director Rudolf Jan Treffers, the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism announced.
The meeting was attended by Bulgarian EU Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva.
Meetings with the management of the World Bank was part of the official visit of Minister Traikov to the U.S.. The financial institution was committed with expert assistance in preparing the energy strategy of Bulgaria, the work on major energy projects, the social sector reform and improving the business environment. WB President will visit Bulgaria in July this year.
Within the sidelines of the visit to Washington and Pittsburgh Minister Traikov met with senior officials of the U.S. administration. Bulgaria's role in the energy infrastructure of the Black Sea region was the main topic of conversation with U.S. Secretary of State's Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Ambassador Richard L. Morningstar and Jose Fernandez - Assistant Secretary of State for Energy and Commercial Affairs at the State Department. Minister Traikov gave Mr Fernandes Report on Bulgaria's progress in protecting intellectual property. The document that was provided and the Department of Trade and Commercial Office of the United States, contains information on measures to effectively combat intellectual piracy in 2009, including the Internet environment. Hosts highly praised the work of the government in fighting corruption and organized crime. Minister Traikov and Mr. Fernandez discussed the possibilities for easier access to U.S. market of goods subject to a quota regime for imports from EU countries and the possibilities of abolishing visas for Bulgarians and more attractive presentation of our country as a tourist destination.