Headlines (May 21 2003):

Business

The Korean Trade Promotion and Investments Agency (KOTRA) organizes a meeting with representatives of the Korean business. The aim is to identify possibilities for a mutually advantageous cooperation in Bulgaria in the field of production and trade Internet telephones, soldering-irons, play-machines, LED- displays, control devices: temperature and moisture, timers and other goods. The business-meetings will be held on the 26^th of May 2003 in the Hilton Hotel. More information may be obtained at the following address: kotra@kotra-sofia.org.

During April 2003 the aggregate “index of a confidence” in the economy fell by 0.8 points in comparison with the January level reaching minus 13.5%, data of the National Statistical Institute showed. The consumer confidence index recorded a 1.9 points reduction for the period of January to April this year while the reduction for the population in the cities is 1.2 points and for the population in the villages is 3.7 points.

The inflation for April is 0.3%, announced the National Statistical Institute. The accumulated inflation from the beginning of the year is 1.5%. During February the industrial production has decreased by 3.3% in comparison with the preceding month. During March the industrial production has increased by 14.1% in comparison with February.

A contract for financing of investment projects in Bulgarian micro-, small and medium enterprises between the Republic of Bulgaria, the Credit Institute for reconstruction of Germany - Creditanshtalt fur Videraubau - Frankfurt na Main and Procredit Bank was approved at meeting of the council of Ministers. The contract is for over € 4.09 mln and for financing of the priority economic projects in Bulgaria.