Deputy Minister Velik Zantchev: Transport plays a key role for trade and trade-related industries’ development

Globalization of world economy preconditions the key role of transport for achieving competitiveness of trade and trade-related industries, stated the Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Velik Zantchev at the official opening of the European Maritime Forum held in Varna. The event is part of the agenda of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU and is held in the period 3-5 May 2018.

“We need to formulate a strategy for maritime transport to ensure increase in the quality of the services and reduce servicing costs and time. All this is to be based on maximum efficiency both of cargo and passenger transportations and of port services”, added the Deputy Minister.

Deputy Minister Zantchev pointed out that these objectives could be achieved through the provision of safe and modern infrastructure combined with hi-tech deployment. “This will ensure efficiency of port activities and their integration with other transport modes, as well as provide door-to-door logistic chains”, he further added.

Process digitalization, such as one-stop-shop services, common information sharing environment, reduction of routes and stay times, contribute not only to the increase of competitiveness, but also to higher levels of safety and security minimizing negative impact on the environment.

The next event in the Bulgarian Presidency agenda focusing on the development of blue economy in the Black Sea region is the European Maritime Day 2018, which will be held on May 31 and June 1 юни in the city of Bourgas.