Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is the 8th successive year in which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Stara Zagora offers you the publication “Economic Yearbook of the Stara Zagora Region”. The publication has won recognition as a useful source of information for businessmen, citizens and guests of the Stara Zagora region, as well as for potential investors and companies looking for business partners in the district.
During the past year the local economy continued its dynamic development, which is illustrated by the increased values of a number of economic indicators. As of today, many of the local companies compete successfully on the European and world markets. This is why, despite the global economic crisis, my expectations for 2009 are optimistic. I believe that the crisis will help us Bulgarians to find the right course and to realise our competitive advantages. History keeps record of numerous examples of Bulgarian successes.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Stara Zagora has become a sought-after partner in solving business problems and establishing professional partnerships. During the past year, not only local companies, but also companies from all over the country, have benefited from the consultation and training services provided by CCI – Stara Zagora experts.
The Chamber is involved in international projects, which give us the self-confidence of a respected equal partner of major European organisations. The two-year project funded by the Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) Program, where we are partners of the European Chamber of Commerce as well as of 12 national Chambers of EU member states, will benefit over 800 companies throughout the country. They will be consulted on energy efficiency issues. CCI – Stara Zagora is a member of the largest world network providing information and support to business - Enterprise Europe Network. The network is a basic tool of the Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General of the European Commission for support of small and medium enterprises. Thanks to our projects, hundreds of companies in the region get opportunities to establish new business partnerships, introduce innovative technologies, and improve their employees’ qualifications and their competitiveness.
For me, the most significant achievement is the increasing number of satisfied clients and partners, I expect that their number will further increase in 2009. Through supporting the economic development, CCI – Stara Zagora contributes to making the region an attractive place for investment and professional realisation.
I wish all citizens and entrepreneurs in the region success in meeting this year’s challenges. You can always rely on our professional support.
Oleg Stoilov
Chairman of the Managing Board
Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Stara Zagora
The Economic Yearbook of the Stara Zagora Region is an annual publication of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) - Stara Zagora. This year’s edition is the eight issue. It presents a review of the regional economy, contacts and other reference information, “Top 100” ranking of the most successful companies in the region (in terms of net sales revenues and profit), and various business advertisements. In this publication the Chamber’s own data is used, as well as data provided by the Regional Statistical Office - Stara Zagora, Bulgarian Commercial Register, General Directorate for Citizen Registration and Administrative Services, official annual financial reports submitted by companies etc. 
