In 2023, a total of 32,661 non-financial enterprises carried out economic activity on the territory of Burgas District. They generated net sales revenues of BGN 26,213 million, and the value of production was BGN 19,071 million. The number of employed persons in non-financial enterprises was 117,639. Microenterprises (up to 9 employees) predominate in the regional economy - 94.7% of the total number. Small enterprises (from 10 to 49 employees) are 4.5%, medium-sized enterprises (from 50 to 249 employees) - 0.7%, and large enterprises (over 250 employees) - 0.1%. Non-financial enterprises in Burgas District ended 2023 with a positive financial result of BGN 1,586 million.
According to data from the National Statistical Institute, in 2023, a total of 16,887 non-financial enterprises carried out economic activities on the territory of the municipality of Burgas. They generated net sales revenues of BGN 20,081 million, and the value of production was BGN 14,592 million. The number of employees in non-financial enterprises was 67,277.
Data on the key economic sectors in the municipality of Burgas, including the agricultural sector, industry, construction, trade and repair of cars and motorcycles, services, as well as other activities, show the significant economic activity and employment in various spheres of the local economy.
Agriculture - agriculture, forestry and fisheries - 376 enterprises from this sector in the municipality of Burgas. Net sales revenues in the sector are over 109 thousand BGN at current prices, and the value of production is over 104 thousand BGN. The number of employed persons is 891.
Industry - 1023 industrial enterprises, net sales revenues in industry are over 9,417 million BGN at current prices. The value of production in the industrial sector is over 9 million BGN. 9,988 employees work in industrial enterprises.
Construction – 1,242 construction enterprises, net sales revenues in the Construction sector are over BGN 1,103 million at current prices, and the value of production is over BGN 1,134 million. The number of employees is 7,695.
Trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles – 5,242 commercial enterprises, net sales revenues in the sector “Trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles” are over 6,380 million BGN at current prices. The value of production in the sector is over 1,136 million BGN. The trade sector employs 16,913 people.
Services – 7,642 enterprises from the service sector. This sector has realized net sales revenues of over 2,985 million BGN and production worth over 2,935 million BGN. The number of people employed is 29,616.
Other activities – 1,362 enterprises with another field of activity, in which net sales revenues of over 46 thousand BGN were realized, with a production value of over 44 thousand BGN, with a number of employees of 1,918.
According to final data, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the non-financial sector of Burgas district as of 31.12.2023 amounted to 2,224.6 million euros, which is 7.4% more than in 2022. Their share in the total amount of foreign investments made in the country is 6.8%. The municipality of Burgas has the largest amount of foreign direct investment in the district - 1,930.9 million euros.
In 2023, the expenses incurred for the acquisition of fixed assets (FIXED) in the Municipality of Burgas are BGN 802 million. For the period, in the structure of expenses for the acquisition of fixed assets by economic activities, an increase in investments made in the industry sector (excluding construction) is observed.
The largest volume of investments in FTAs was invested in services (trade; transport; hotels and restaurants) - 274 million BGN, followed by the industrial sector - with 182 million BGN.
The most significant expenses for the acquisition of long-term tangible assets were incurred in the municipality of Burgas - 802 million BGN, or 50.7% of the total expenses for the district.
In 2023, the Municipality of Burgas made significant steps towards supporting business and investments in the region. These efforts cover various key areas that stimulate the development of the economy and the attractiveness of Burgas for new investments. Some of the main areas for development over the past year include:
Infrastructure investments: In 2023, significant investments were made in Burgas' infrastructure, which improve the connectivity of the region and facilitate business, such as the reconstruction of important transport arteries such as "Industrialna" and "Chataldzha", the construction of new parking lots and the expansion of the road network.
Among them is the construction of a service street in the Industrial Zone "North", financed with over 1 million leva by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. This infrastructure is related to an investment project of "Sidorenko Foodtech" EOOD and "Sidoinvest" EOOD, including the construction of new production halls and the purchase of additional equipment.
Sustainable Development Projects: Burgas Municipality received approval for financing 45 projects from the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan, with a total value of over 130 million leva. Among them are 29 projects for energy renovation of multi-family residential buildings. Also, the project "Investments in the Development of Industrial Park - Burgas" includes the construction of feeder and internal infrastructure for Phase 2 of Industrial and Logistics Park - Burgas, with the aim of attracting new investors and creating jobs.
Investments in infrastructure create sustainable conditions for developing businesses in the region and provide easy access to logistics and transport networks.
Support for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The Municipality of Burgas provides various opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises through support and innovation programs. In 2023, a new program for financing start-ups was launched, which will receive consultations and financial support for initial development. The municipality's goal is to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and facilitate the launch of new businesses with a focus on innovation and sustainable solutions to urban challenges.
Innovation and digitalization of services
Burgas actively promotes the implementation of smart technologies and innovations through platforms such as "Smart Burgas". Through this project, various digital solutions are integrated that improve the management of urban resources and facilitate access of citizens and businesses to various services. For investors looking for modern solutions and technological opportunities, Burgas offers the ideal environment.
Development of the Black Sea Economy
The Burgas region is strategically located as an important economic and trade center of the Black Sea region. The local economy is oriented towards industrial sectors such as logistics, energy technologies, maritime transport, tourism and agribusiness. Burgas is also developing its potential for innovation in the blue economy, supporting projects for sustainable development and environmental protection.
International Awards and Recognitions
In 2023, Burgas Municipality received recognition for its leadership in innovation and sustainable development of the Black Sea region, being awarded an award for excellence in business and economic development under the project "Digital Network for Blue Economy and Promotion of Innovation" (DBAN). The award was presented in the category "Promoting Investment in the Blue Economy of the Black Sea". This category emphasizes access to financial resources, promotion of sustainable investments in the blue economy and support for maritime entrepreneurship and clusters.
At the International Tourism Exchange "Vacation and SPA Expo", Burgas Municipality received the grand prize for innovative practical models for the development of cultural tourism.
In 2024, awards were received for:
"Best Large Municipality, with Contribution to Business Development" at the Balkan Business Awards 2024
for contribution to maintaining web-based platforms that provide publicity for business conditions and attract investments.
Special award in the "Eco-Community" competition for implementing projects for sustainable practices, for the introduction of plastic-free zones, as well as for conducting initiatives for furniture reuse.
At the presentation of the official report from the annual survey conducted for the Local Integrity System Index of the Transparency Without Borders Association, Burgas Municipality was awarded for the Smart Burgas web platform for business and investments.
Award from the competition for good practices in the "Social Responsibility" category, launched by the Institute of Public Administration.