News

   The number of the deals with agricultural lands reached 92 000 in 2006 which is an increase of nearly 100% compared to the preceding year, said at a press-conference the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Svetla Bachvarova. The growth marked by the market is due to a great extent to the activity of the investment funds focussing on the agricultural properties which are behind more than half of all transactions.

  The average market price of the agricultural lands has increased up to BGN 200 per decare that is 20% more compared to 2005.

  There is a big increase in the average price of the agricultural land in the north-western regions, as it has reached BGN 162 per decare (40% compared to 2005). The number of the deals in the region has increased by 60%, as nearly half of the lands sold are situated in the region of Vidin, namely 90 000 decares. In the north-eastern region, which remains the most active market in the country in 2006 as well, there are 30% of the deals executed, at an average price of BGN 220 per decare that is an increase by 26% compared to 2005.

  Bulgaria can already sell in the EU, without disguising the bio products in a foreign trademark

  Bulgaria has unexpectedly turned out to be one of the 10 countries with the greatest number of areas with biological crops during the last three years. Meanwhile, the strategy for the Bulgarian bio-agriculture development of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests has been neglected for at least two years.

  That is what a survey of the international consultant A. T. Kearney reveals. The survey has been made in compliance with data of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). According to the survey of A. T. Kearney, for the period 2004-2006, the certified bio-areas in Bulgaria have increased from 500 to 12 284 hectares (122 840 decares, 1 hectare = 10 decares), or with 2357%. Thus Bulgaria becomes the 6th country in the world, in terms of the number of hectares with bio-crops, after Kenya, Syria, Croatia, Korea and Zimbabwe. The Bulgarian accession to the European Union has also turned out to be good news for the Bulgarian bio-manufacturers. They will already have the opportunity of freely selling their production in the countries of the European Union.

  According to A. T. Kearney, the other countries, where the biological areas are also increasing, are: Nepal, China, Pakistan and Zambia. The consultant company writes that the growth in these countries, including Bulgaria, happens due to the fact that the organic products’ market is a good possibility for export for most of them. Yet, these countries could not be competitors of the countries with the greatest sizes of bio-areas (except for China). Australia has the greatest size of bio-areas in the world, since there are 12.1 million hectares with bio-crops there.

The CEZ company is planning to invest BGN 2.2 Million in energy distribution network in Bansko mountain resort, the company reports. In the next year CEZ will invest BGN 1.3 million in reconstruction and modernization of the equipment in Bansko. BGN 518,00 will be spent for the construction of three key energy distribution stations. These investments of the company will be continuation of the program for development of the network in the region.

InvestBulgaria, the local investment promotion authority, Tuesday granted a First Class Investor certificate to locally registered Cabland for its 194 mln euro golf development in the coastal city of Kableshkovo, near Pomorie.

The government undertakes to assist the investor in obtaining the necessary construction and otherwise permits.

After Bulgaria's first shoppig malls opened this year in Sofia, seaside Burgas is about to enjoy a large complex of its own, too.
The shopping, leisure and business spot is expected to absorb at least EUR 30 M, and should open doors in 2008, in the very center of the city.

A well-preserved 5,000-year-old golden dagger recovered from a tomb in Bulgaria has been described as a "sensational" find that sheds light on the long-lost civilisation of Thrace and shows the Thracians to be sophisticated metal-workers rather than illiterate, bloodthirsty savages. The artefact, which archaeologists think dates to 3,000BC, is the latest in a series of finds in central Bulgaria that have led to the region being called the "Valley of the Thracian Kings"."It's really a sensational discovery," said Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of the Bulgarian National Museum of History.

The shaping work of the first six holes at Lighthouse Golf Resort, Bulgaria is progressing well and the installation of the drainage system has started. Three of the blocks located at Green District are on a shale stage, the construction of the other three blocks are already updated. Ian Woosnam is working alongisde European Golf Design on this course and at Pirin Golf Club too. Construction is underway on an 18 hole, par 71 course in Bulgaria. Lighthouse Golf Resort is located on the Black Sea shore, between the resort town of Balchik and the rock capital of Bulgaria – Kavarna The distance from Varna International Airport Is less than 40 minutes.

The cable car will decide the problem with the parking lots in the resort during the winter season.
A lift will connect Smolyan and Pamporovo. The municipal gave the assignment for the projection of the new transport on the route to two teams. The technical studies of the equipment are already completed, said the mayor of Smolyan Dora Yankova. A middle station is planed to be constructed 5 kilometers away from Smolyan in the Raykovski livadi site, which is currently being developed as a small mountain resort with hotels and villas.

50 minimize copies of the most important culturally – historical monuments will be located over 1000 decares near the sea. This was announced by the author of the idea Vanko Ivanov, who is the manager of a Plovdiv’s tourist company. The first of its kind attraction park “ Bulgaria in miniature ”will be located some 6 km away from Sunny Beach resort and will cover an already bought land.

Sofia house prices ‘stabilised’ during the first half of 2006, the international estate agent partnership Colliers International has reported. Its latest Residential Market Overview, said prices increased only marginally in the last six months compared to previous years, with supply exceeding demand.Soifia’s Ivan Vazov neighbourhood is emerging as the second most expensive location in Sofia after constant favourite Doctor’s Garden. The average asking prices in Doctor’s Garden reached £1,150 per square metre in the first six months of 2006, followed by the Ivan Vazov area with prices averaging £900 per square metre, and Lozenetz at £663.