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Ensuring balanced and sustainable development

Posted: 22 December 2009 | Minister Aleksandar Tsvetkov, Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC), Bulgaria | No comments yet

Over the next four years, the main priorities in the transport policy of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC) are: the successful integration of the Bulgarian transport system with the European system; the development of accessible and safe transport in all regions of the country; the support, modernisation and construction of the national transport infrastructure; the improvement in the management and realisation of various projects, including those financed through EU funds and public-private partnerships; and the creation of favourable conditions for effective counteraction to the disloyal competition in the transport sector.

Over the next four years, the main priorities in the transport policy of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC) are: the successful integration of the Bulgarian transport system with the European system; the development of accessible and safe transport in all regions of the country; the support, modernisation and construction of the national transport infrastructure; the improvement in the management and realisation of various projects, including those financed through EU funds and public-private partnerships; and the creation of favourable conditions for effective counteraction to the disloyal competition in the transport sector.

Over the next four years, the main priorities in the transport policy of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC) are: the successful integration of the Bulgarian transport system with the European system; the development of accessible and safe transport in all regions of the country; the support, modernisation and construction of the national transport infrastructure; the improvement in the management and realisation of various projects, including those financed through EU funds and public-private partnerships; and the creation of favourable conditions for effective counteraction to the disloyal competition in the transport sector. The goal of the policy actions we are taking is to provide the population and the economy with safe, accessible and quality transport services. Realising that the current global financial crisis and recession will have a negative impact on the transport sector in Bulgaria, the MTITC team prepared an anti-crisis plan aiming at facilitating the work of the trade organisations during such turbulent times. In this way, we provide for a more flexible reaction to the decreased demand for services in the sector and we put efforts towards the attraction of additional sources of income, the reduction of the level of spending and the implementation of more aggressive commercial politics. During a time of crisis, it is especially important to conscientiously utilise the funds coming from the EU and international financial organisations. From August to October 2009, there has been a greater speed for the realisation of projects co-financed by the Operational Programme ‘Transport’ and the ISPA Program. In the area of railway transportation, new services have been introduced that add to the development of sustainability of the transport network and the improvement of the regional and social connectivity: the sale of tickets for combined transportation, using the ‘train-bus’ plan for trips from Sofia to the coastal area; the online reservation system and the free access to the Information System of the National Railway Company ‘BDZ’ for all users and visitors of the major train stations in Bulgaria. In the area of corruption prevention, MTITC has put an emphasis on providing transparent and harmonious conditions for a healthy competition in the transportation market and has deepened the dialogue with civil and trade associations. With the understanding of the importance of transport logistics for the business sector, our efforts will be put towards providing favourable conditions for the smooth operation of the logistical systems. This will be achieved through the development of the transport infrastructure and through the development of intermodal transport systems as an innovative way to organise the transport processes. The main focus in the areas of information technology and communications is on the development of reliable electronic communications infrastructure and the services of the eGovernment. The development of electronic communications infrastructure will allow for wide-spread use of high-speed Internet. Citizens and business organisations will be able to participate actively in the economic and social life through the use of electronic services which will eventually assist in overcoming the difference between the urban and rural areas of the country. As it pertains to the information society, there is a significant effort towards the realisation of eGovernment. The goal is to have administrations, citizens and businesses use and have access to most administrative services electronically. The legislative changes which resulted from the MTITC actions in the area of postal messages are aimed at the liberalisation of the market, the creation of better conditions for effective competition and the protection of the affordability of the services. In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ensure you that through fulfilling the main goals and priorities in the government’s plan, the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications will continue to lead politics for a balanced and sustainable development in all three sectors – transport, information technology and communications.

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