The Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Georgi Tahov, attended the official launch of the two-year international scientific and practical project 0-Carbon Trakia Economic Zone - C0TEZ, which was launched today. The project is initiated and led by Prof. Dr. Georgi Georgiev, and the partner is the "Cluster Trakia Economic Zone" association /CTEZ/. It is funded by the German Federal Environment Foundation (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt – DBU) as a priority international strategic project.
Minister Tahov announced that 33 inactive canals, with an area ofabout 270 acres, are being provided for the needs of the "Trakia Economic Zone" for the construction of the necessary infrastructure in order to realize the investment intentions. “There are currently ongoing coordination procedures for approval. This project is unique for Europe and is of strategic importance for the Plovdiv region”, said the Minister of Agriculture.
During the official ceremony, which took place at the TEZ Event Centre, the initiative was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Bulgaria Irene Planck, the Secretary General of DBU Alexander Bonde, Eng. Plamen Panchev, who is the creator and executive director of the Trakia Economic Zone, Prof. Dr. Georgi P. Georgiev - creator and manager of the project, and representatives of state and local authorities, industry and the non-governmental sector.
The project is a pilot for Europe and aims to develop a successful long-term strategy for future energy development with a focus on a new Carbon Neutral Industrial Park. A detailed plan for Europe's first zero-carbon industrial zone will also be developed.
As a result of joint efforts with local and national authorities, the business, the non-governmental and financial sectors, it is expected that by the end of 2026 the Green Bond model will be activated and the entire process will be made possible, actively involving civil society in it.