The possibilities of Russian investment in the municipality of Bourgas were discussed by mayor Yoan Kostadinov and the Russian ambassador to Bulgaria Anatoliy Potapov.
The meeting was held at Potapov's initiative, who had taken an interest in the opportunities in the area for investment by Russian businesses, as well as the preparation for the upcoming municipal elections. Russias consul in Bourgas, Tonko Fotev, was also present at the meeting.
Potapov said that Russian business had already entered Bulgaria. The example given was the number of projects with Russian participation that had recently been started in places on the southern Black Sea coast, such as in the village of Ravda.
Potapos said that according to Russian businessmen, what was missing from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was golf courses.
Kostadinov, on the other hand, suggested that apart from the villa zone on Dimchevo, there could be a place for much more Russian investments in Bourgas. One possibility could be the construction of a marina, an aqua park, and a childrens corner at the city Sea Garden. Kostadinov pointed out potential locations for the marina, such as Sarafovo or Mostika, even though he said that Mostika was not as suitable for such a construction as a part of the beach would have to be taken away. While Kostadinov said he hoped that Russian investment in the region would increase with time, Potapov said it was already constantly growing. It was mainly aimed at industry, agriculture, and the tourism sector.
Speaking about the municipal elections taking place in October, Potatov said that the current mayor Kostadinov was a good candidate and he would personally support him over another candidature. He gave as a reason the huge construction work in Bourgas, which in Potatovs opinion was a sign of the citys development.
But whether Kostadinov, who has been the mayor since 1995, would stand for a fourth term, is still unclear. As I have already said to one national TV channel, I have not yet decided. Very soon I hope to be able to tell you my final decision, the mayor said. What is certain, however, he said, was that there were still projects to be completed. The new hippodrome in Bourgas as well as the summer theatre, that now has a retractable roof, are yet to be officially opened. The renovation of some of the citys squares also needs to be completed.
Meanwhile, Darik national radio reported on June 22 that a joint Bulgarian-Greek project will implemented, which will provide qualifications for workers who participate in the construction of the oil pipe line Bourgas-Alexandroupoulis. This was agreed in Greece by Zhelyazko Hristov, chairperson of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and Yorgos Estotia, regional union leader in northern Greece.
The first stage of the pipeline construction will require 300 workers in Greece. It has not yet been specified to Bulgarian companies involved in the project how many workers will be necessary for the construction of the 155km of pipeline on the Bulgarian side, Hristov said. Nor it is clear yet what type of specialists are required and what qualifications they will be expect to have.
However, unions on both sides of the border have begun to prepare for a joint project that will provide opportunities to gain specialist qualifications in the construction of the pipeline. There will be three offices, in Bourgas, in Haskovo and Alexandroupolis.
Our aim is for people to be prepared for this challenge, Estotisia said. Additionally, the aim is to employ workers from the regions where construction will take place. The cost of the education project is yet to be estimated and it will be financed using EU funds.
In other news, Bourgas was one of the towns that recently suffered a weather abnormality in the middle of the heat wave that recently swept the country.
A tornado-type wind stronger than 100 km/h formed on the evening of June 23 and destroyed trees, billboards, and cars, while in nearby resort Sunny Beach the electricity was cut.
Fortunately, no one was injured and there was no flooding. The heavy storm did however cause severe damage to the Bulgarian Monte Carlo Circus.
The circus, owned by the Balkanski family, was in Bourgas as part of its summer tour in Bulgaria.
At about 10pm, the wind brought down the circus tent. At the time the circus animals were in their cages because their performance of the evenings show had already finished. No animals were hurt. The entire show, however, had not ended and the incident happened during the clowns performance. More than 600 people, mostly children, were inside the tent at the time. The tent was cleared in less than 40 seconds, using all seven exits. No one was seriously injured although one of the performers suffered minor scratches.
Alexander Balkanski, the director and owner of the family circus, said that the tent, made in Italy, had experienced four similar extreme situations. Because of the way it was constructed, the tent could resist wind of up to 100 km/h. The wind that night went over those limits and this is the reason it collapsed.
According to Balkanski, Mote Carlo 2 has been extinguished as the storm caused damages worth 500 000 euro. He plans to ask the Ministry of State Policy for Disasters and Accident for the money.
The circus was not insured. The reason being that apparently Bulgarian insurance companies would not insure a circus, while foreign insurance companies would not insure a Bulgarian circus.
Balkanski said that Monte Carlo 2, formed in 1820, has been ranked in the top five of the best European circuses for its modern equipment and the excellence of its performance. It has more than 220 performances annually and is a holder of numerous awards.
It was announced that a new tent would be put up by June 28. The tent is two years old and the circus will continue performing for another 10 days from that date. Those who were unable to see the whole show as a result of the incident caused by the storm, will be entitled to a new ticket for one of the remaining performances.
