Sofia is ready to boost its offer and double the subsidies available to Volkswagen to 260 million euros from an initial 135 million, Rosen Plevneliev, a board member of the non-governmental Bulgarian Automotive Cluster, told Bulgaria’s BNR public radio on Wednesday. The Balkan country has been in Volkswagen’s shortlist for the new plant and the announcement regarding Turkey, has raised its hopes.

“Yesterday’s statement was a good start. But there is a long way to go before we can see what the final decision will be,” Plevneliev, who is also a former Bulgarian President told BNR. “Bulgaria has prepared a wonderful proposal, which offers the utmost possible under European Union laws.”

The cluster, which unites over 54 companies in the automotive sector and car part industry, has been involved in lobbing for the Bulgarian bid.

“We can expand our cooperation with Volkswagen in different areas. Bulgaria is to build infrastructure for electric cars. We also have ideas how to back up the carmaker with additional infrastructure and educational measures, Plevneliev said.

The economy ministry declined to comment both on whether Sofia is improving its offer or on an eventual subsidy increase. A ministry spokesman said that until there is a final decision, Bulgaria and Turkey are both contenders for the new plant.

With a Volkswagen decision on hold, neighbouring Romania said it has initiated new talks to lobby for the investment. 铸件展-铸件采购会-国际铸件展-2020第二十一届广州国际铸件展会-巨浪展览 -The 21st China (Guangzhou ) Int’l Casting product Exhibition -Casting product Exhibition, 2020 casting product Exhibition, China Casting product Exhibition, Casting Exhibition, China Casting Exhibition, 2020 Casting Exhibition, Casting product Expo, 2020 casting product Expo, China Casting product Expo, Casting Expo, China Casting Expo, 2020 Casting Expo,