'Made in Bulgaria' Bestows Annual Golden Martenitsa Awards

Minister of Economy and Energy, Traicho Traikov (r) bestows the 2011 Economic Cooperation Award to Litex Motors. Photo by Litex Motors

The Bulgarian Union "Made in Bulgaria" bestowed Wednesday evening the annual "Golden Martenitsa" awards.

The ceremony was held for the 18th year and gathered at the National Palace of Culture in downtown Sofia leading Bulgarian businesses and institutions.

The award for Economic Cooperation for 2011 was given to Litex Motors for the building and the launch of a factory near the northern city of Lovech for the manufacturing of Great Wall automobiles in partnership with the Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motors.

"Albena Invest" grabbed the title "Bulgarian Enterprise of 2011" for achieving high standards in tourist services. "First Investment Bank" was awarded the title "Financial Institution of 2011" for its favorable loan granting policy for the small and medium business in the country.

The "Golden Martenitsa" for media reporting was given to business journalist Mario Gavrilov from the State Bulgarian National Television, BNT, for his contribution for informing about the problems and the achievements of Bulgarian companies.

The awards were bestowed by the Minister of Economy and Energy, Traicho Traikov, in the presence of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov.

Traikov said he felt honored to give the awards for the third time now in his capacity of Minister because such people and companies were the engines of Bulgaria's economy, leading to a 1.7% growth for 2011 with an increased industrial production and exports.

"I am convinced that despite the fact there cannot not be protectionism for local manufacturing in the EU, there is a way to combine patriotic and market choice when we make purchases," Traikov said, citing a poll showing that in over 30% of the cases, Bulgarian-made goods were preferred when the consumer decides what to buy.

He wished everyone health and endurance as it is the Bulgarian tradition when giving martenistas, stressing that to turn them golden depends on everyone's effort and talent.

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