The GDP growth for the third quarter of 1999 was 4.5 per cent as compared to the same period in 1998, was reported from NSI. For the third quarter of 1998 the GDP was BGN 6.430 billion - USD 417 - BGN 778 per capita. For the nine months of 1999 the GDP amounted to BGN 16.120 billion - USD 1072 - BGN 1952 per capita.
Source: Pari (06.01.2000)

Unemployment rate in November, 1999 reached 15.6 per cent of the active population, according to data of National Bureau of Employment. This is a 0.9 per cent increase as compared to October and a 3.8 per cent increase as compared to the same period in 1998.
Source: Monitor (06.01.2000)

138.000 are the unemployed Bulgarian citizens of age 15-24, according to data of NSI for November, 1999. This is 36.7 per cent of the active population. The total number of unemployed people in Bulgaria is 576.009.
Source: BTA (10.01.2000)

Inflation rate in December 1999 was 0.7 per cent and at the beginning of 1999 it was 6.2 per cent. In December prices went up as follows: food-stuffs - 0.9 per cent, other goods - 0.3 per cent, services - 0.6 per cent, public catering - 0.9 per cent.
Source: BTA (11.01.2000)

Average gross working salary for 1999 was BGN 205.32, reported from NSI. In the public sector the salary was BGN 227.76, in the private sector it was BGN 177.68. In the budget organizations the salary was of BGN 176.05 and in economic enterprises - BGN 217.41.
Source: Pari (11.01.2000)

For the period January - November, 1999 NSI reported a 10.8 per cent drop in the sale incomes as compared to the same period of 1998. There is a 12 per cent drop in processing industry. Incomes from sale of vehicles dropped down by 50 per cent. In November, 1999 sales dropped down by 2.7 per cent as compared to November, 1998.
Source: Pari (12.01.2000)

Bulgaria's economic growth for 1999 is 2.5 per cent, stated the Minister of Finance Mr. Muravey Radev. The budget deficit for 1999 is 1 per cent. Inflation rate is 6.2 per cent, according to NSI.
Source: Standart (13.01.2000)

In November, 1999 incomes from retail sales amounted to BGN 696 million, was reported from NSI. Nearly 39 per cent of them came from food-stuffs, drinks and tobacco products.
Source: BTA (13.01.2000)

The actual amount of Bulgaria's GDP for 1998 is probably 1/5 higher, according to data of NSI, which reported a 23-24 per cent stake of the gray economy.
Source: Pari (14.01.2000)

The average working salary for 1999 was BGN 202.6 - this is a 6.2 per cent increase as compared to 1998.
Source: Standart (14.01.2000)

The inflation rate in Bulgaria in 2000 will be nearly 6.1 per cent and in 2001 - nearly 0.5 per cent higher, according to prognosis of the European Commission.
Source: Monitor (26.01.2000)

Nearly BGN 40 million were unpaid salaries in the public sector at the end of September, 1999, according to data of NSI. BGN 7 million were the unpaid salaries in sector Construction.
Source: Pari (27.01.2000)

The unemployment rate in Bulgaria in December was 15.97 per cent, was reported from National Statistics Institute. It was increased by 0.34 per cent in comparison with the rate in November. The total number of the unemployed people in December was 610 551, which is by 2.2 per cent (13 163 people) more than the unemployed people in November 1999, and 31.2 per cent more compared to November 1998.
Source: 24 chasa (31.01.2000)

Inflation rate for January, 2000 was 2.4 per cent. according to NSI reports. The prices of food-stuffs went up by 3.2 per cent as compared to December, 1999. Services went up by 3.7 per cent, public catering - by 1.8 per cent.
Source: 24 chasa (14.02.2000)

Average working salary in December, 1999 was BGN 211.47, according to data of NSI. The salary in the public sector was BGN 236.30 and in the private sector - BGN 181.14. The gross salary in budget organizations was BGN 180.20.
Source: Pari (14.02.2000)

In January unemployment rate was 17.2 per cent, was reported from the National Bureau of Employment. In January, 2000 the number of unemployed people was 657.095 - 46.544 more as compared to December, 1999.
Source: Pari (02.03.2000)

From the beginning of the year till the end of February, 2000 inflation rate in Bulgaria was 3.7 per cent, as reported from the NSI. The average inflation rate for 1999 was 1.8 per cent. In February inflation rate was 0.5 per cent.
Source: Pari (13.03.2000)

Average gross working salary in January was BGN 204 - BGN 221 in the public sector and BGN 186 in the private sector, was reported from the National Statistical Institute. In the budget organizations the average salary was BGN 175.
Source: BTA (20.03.2000)

The incomes of the industrial companies increased with 4,5 per cent for the first 2 months of this year, was reported from NSI.There is a raise in the mining - 7 per cent, in the processing industry- 4,9 per cent, in the production and supply of electricity, gas and water - 2,6 per cent. The sales on the foreign markets increased with 20,8 in the first 2 months of the year and on the domestic markets there is a drop of 3,2 per cent in January and February.
Source: 24 chasa (13.04.2000)

The average working salary in February was BGN 208, in the public sector it was BGN 222, in the private - BGN 191, reported from NSI. As compared to January the raise of the salaries of those working on labour agreement is with BGN 4 - 1,96 per cent.
Source: BTA (13.04.2000)

The Inflation rate for March is - 0,6 per cent according to NSI. The life standard from the beginning of the year was more expensive with 3,1 per cent. In March the prices of the food - stuffs raised with 1,6 per cent and the services - with 0,6 per cent.
Source: Pari (13.04.2000)

The number of the hired on a labour agreement in February decreased with 9 624 workers, was reported from NSI on 12.04.2000. On February 29th the hired were 1 791 298 workers.
Source: BTA (13.04.2000)

The population of Bulgaria reduced with 395 000 people or with 0.5 per cent compared to the last year, reported from the NSI. To December 31.1999 the population of the country was 8.191 million. During the next years is expected problems with the reproduction of the working power. While in 1990 the average age of the people was 37.5 years, in 1999 it is 39.2 years. The active population is 4.753 million. The unemployed raised from March last year to March this year with 84 100.
Source: Maritsa (02.05.2000)

The average gross salary for the country in March was BGN 222, reported from NSI. In the public sector the average salary was BGN 243 and in the private - BGN 200. In the budget organisations the gross salary was BGN 189 and in the trade companies and organisations with incomes from economic activity - BGN 236. The average gross salary for the first quarter of 2000 is BGN 213, in the public sector - BGN 230 and in the private - BGN 195.
Source: BTA (11.05.2000)

Deflation of 0.9 per cent in April is registered by the National Statistic Institute. The inflation has been 2.2 per cent since the beginning of the year. In April since 1997 there has been deflation every year, reminded the Chairman of the Institute Mr. Alexander Hadzhiiski. This is due to the drop in the prices of the food-staffs. In April 2000 the prices of the food-staffs reduced with 2.4 per cent and the prices of other goods - 0.2 per cent . The prices of the services raised with 1 per cent.
Source: BTA (15.05.2000)

GDP in 1999 raised with 2.4 per cent, registered NSI. Per capita is assumed BGN 2774 and USD 1510. The data are preliminary. The private sector made 65 per cent added value. 55,9 per cent are for the services and 26.8 for the industry and 17.3 for the agriculture. The individual consumption of the population increased in 1999.
Source: BTA (15.05.2000)

With 7 per cent increased the incomes of the industrial companies from sales of production in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year, was reported from NSI. In the extracting industry the raise is 3.5 per cent, in the processing - with 7.9 per cent, in the production and allocating of electricity, gas and water - with 5 per cent. There is a drop between 10 and 20 per cent in the incomes from sales of the production of transport instruments, metal processing, production of equipment for processing of rubber and plastics. Only in March the raise of the sales in the industry is with 5.2 per cent compared to the same month last year.
Source: BTA (15.05.2000)

The rate of increase of the unemployment sharply reduced, was reported from the National Employment Agency. While in January the unemployed people compared to the previous month raised with 46 544 people, in April compared to March the increase is only with 9 401 people. As a per cent of the full employment, the unemployment rate in April is 19 per cent. The lowest is the unemployment in Sofia-city - 5.6 per cent and the highest in Turgovishte region - 33,5 per cent where it is dropped with 0.4 per cent compared to March.
Source: Trud (23.05.2000)

South-western Bulgaria has the highest share in the GDP andNorth-western - the lowest, pointed data of the National Statistic Institute for the contribution of the regions to GDP for 1997 and 1998. To South-western Bulgaria is recorded 29.4 per cent of GDP and to North-West - 5.9 per cent in 1998, according to a research that is a part of the project of the statistic institution of the EU Eurostat.. It divides Bulgaria into 6 regions - South-western, North-western, Central northern, North-eastern, South-eastern and Central south. In 1998 the South-western region is with the highest rate of GDP per capita - USD 1677. In the South-western Bulgaria 56.9 per cent of the gross added value is produced in the sphere of the services, 35.8 per cent - in the industry. In all the countries, included in the research, the economic growth is the highest in the region, in which is the administrative centre of the State, specified NSI.
Source: BTA (01.06.2000)

The number of the discharged in April is 8 311 people that is 14 per cent of all dismissed, was reported from the National Statistic Institute. In the public sector are dismissed 3 578 people and in the private - 4 733 people or 13 per cent. In the public sector are hired 12 185 employees and in the private - 10 470.
Source: BTA (13.06.2000)

The incomes of the industrial companies from sales of production between January and April are more with 4.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, was reported from the National Statistic Institute. In April the sales reduced with 2.9 per cent compared to April 1999 and with 13.6 per cent compared to March 2000. The increase in the sales for export is with 28.4 per cent for the fourth months and only in April is with 19.5 per cent. The sales at the domestic market dropped respectively with 6.4 per cent and 12.8 per cent.
Source: Pari (13.06.2000)

The inflation in May is 0.2 per cent and from the beginning of the year - 2.5 per cent, was reported from the National Statistic Institute. The other goods increased with 1.2 per cent in May and the services with 0.7 per cent. In May the prices of the food-staffs reduced with 0.7 per cent. The raise in the prices of bread in May is with 0.2 per cent. The food-staffs with more considerable raise in the price are: eggs, coffee, beer and sugar. The rents of the lodgings raised in the same period with 2.5 per cent, the petrol with 8.8 per cent and the diesel fuel - with 6 per cent. The raise in the prices of the medicines is 1.2 per cent. There is a decrease in the prices of the vegetables, milk, butter and yellow cheese.
Source: Democracy (13.06.2000)

The average gross salary in April is BGN 224, the raise is with 0.9 per cent in comparison with March, was reported from NSI. The average salary in the public sector is BGN 244, in the private sector - BGN 202, in the budget organizations - BGN 196. The highest were the salaries in the production and processing of coke, oil, in the processing and allocation of electric energy, gas and water and in the financial sphere and insurance services. The salaries in the community services, in the tailoring production and in the leather and shoe industry are lower than the average salaries for the State.
Source: BTA (13.06.2000)

Only with BGN 1.45 increased the average income of the Bulgarian citizen in April compared to the same month last year, pointed the last data of the National Statistic Institute for the incomes of the population. In April on average every Bulgarian received BGN 109.58 and in the same month last year the income was BGN 108.13. The total average income per a househood in April this year was BGN 305.35. The share of the salary in the incomes of the househoods during the past months continues to decrease and in March is barely 45.5 per cent. The share of the entreprenuership in the incomes of the househoods remains almost without a change. From it in April are ensured only 4.8 per cent of the incomes of the families or BGN 14.78. Yet the biggest share of the incomes of the Bulgarians are spent for food - BGN 45.96 per capita.
Source: Standart (19.06.2000)

The unemployment will be increasing in the months to the end of 2000, according to data of the National Labour Agency. The data point that only in June are expected new 23 889 unemployed people from the whole country. In the next months the number of the unemployed tends to increase and in December they will be 32 546 people. In July is starting the health reform and it is expected to be dismissed 10 922 workers in the sectors health services and veterinary medicine. In the sphere of the education in July is expected to be dismissed 3 068 workers.
Source: BTA (21.06.2000)

The rate of the unemployment in May was 18.86 per cent , was reported from the National Employment Agency. The unemployed decreased in comparison with the registered in April with 5 476 people and are 720 882 people. The least parameter is in Sofia-city (5.6 per cent) and the the highest is in Turgovishte region (33.7 per cent). In May on average 70 people were competing for one vacant place while in April they were 72. The lowest rate of the unemployment is in Blagoevgrad, Bourgas, Gabrovo, Plovdiv, Lovetch, Dobrich.
Source: Pari (22.06.2000)

The growth of GDP in the first quarter is 4.8 per cent, compared to the same period last year. At current prices the produced GDP amounts to BGN 5.188 billion and recalculated at the last year prices - BGN 5.001 billion. This means that BGN 632 or USD 319 are assessed per capita. The gross added value is increased with 4.9 per cent and is now 85.1 per cent from GDP. 58 per cent of it is produced in the field of the services, 32.7 per cent - in the industry and 9.3 per cent - in the agriculture. The private sector created a gross added value from January to March that amounts to BGN 2.739 billion that is 62 per cent from the added value in the whole economy. The share of the private sector raised with 12 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Source: Pari (29.06.2000)

The inflation for June is 0,1 per cent compared to May. The prices of food-stuffs as a whole have not changed.The index of consumer prices for June is 100,1 compared to May . The prices of non-food-stuffs in June raised with 0,6per cent and the prices in the public catering sector - with 0,2 per cent . In June more expensive were the follwing food-stuffs: the sugar (54,7per cent), cheese (10,4 per cent), pork ( 3,8 per cent), bread (0,5 per cent); minced meat (4,9 per cent), sausages (4,2 per cent) , yogurt (1,2 per cent). The accumulated inflation has been 2.6 per cent since the beginning of the year i. The index includes the period December,1999 - June 2000. The expected inflation for the whole year is 6,2 per cent. The inflation in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year is 9,6 per cent. The index of the consumer prices for June, 2000, calculated on the base of the average annual prices for 1999 is 104,8.
Source: 24 chasa (12.07.2000)

According to national statistics the average gross salary for May is BGN 231. It raised with BGN 7 for a month. The average salary in the public sector raised with 5,7 per cent - up to BGN258. In the private sector it is lower - with BGN 55. The employees from the budget organizations gained BGN 224. The highest salaries for months now have been those of the employees working in the oil-, coke- and nuclear industry. Their average gross salary is BGN 514. Those who work in the field of energetics and irrigation , as well as in the field of finance and credit have an average monthly salary of BGN 411.
Source: Sega (12.07.2000)

The rate of the unemployment of the economic active population in the end of June is 18.19 per cent, was reported from the Employment Agency. It is lower with 0.67 per cent compared to the registered in May. During the last month the unemployed people are 696 551 or with 24 331 people less than in May. According to experts the main reason for the drop of the unemployment is the season employment and the passing away of the dismissal phase, connected with the structure reform. There are new work-places in the branch of tourism, construction and agriculture. In June on average 73 workers were competing for one work-place.
Source: Pari (18.07.2000)

The import exceeded the export by USD 674.6 million during the first 5 months of this year, was reported from the National Statistic Institute. For the period of January-May this year the export at prices FOB is estimated at USD 1.811 billion, and the import at prices of CIF is estimated at USD 2.486 billion. For the same period of last year the numbers are respectively USD 1.464 billion and USD 2.051 billion. In percentage this is 23.74 per cent growth of the export and 21.18 per cent growth of the import during 2000 compared to last year. More than half of Bulgaria’s export was for countries from EU. During the first five months of this year our country exported goods and services at the total value of USD 986.4 million, which is 22.52 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The total value of the imported goods and services from the EC for the period of January-May is USD 1.099 billion. The Bulgarian export for Russia has drastically dropped . At the same time the export for Yugoslavia has grown 4 times.
Source: Sega (25.07.2000)

The shareholders of the Bank Consolidation Company (BCC) will decide at its General Meeting, appointed for July 31 if its term for existence should be prolonged until 2004. The prolongation will be made, so that BCC should be able to execute its guarantee agreements, signed with the buyers of Expressbank, Hebrosbank and Bulbank. In the following weeks BCC will open a new procedure for the privatization of Biochim. The major owner and representative of the State in BCC is the Ministry of Finance.
Source: Standart (31.07.2000)

The employed entities in June are 2.872 million or 41.7 per cent of the population over 15 years, according to data of the National Statistic Institute. The economic active population in Bulgaria in June amounts to 3.431 people. This is 49.8 from the population of 15 or more years. In comparison with March 2000 the employed entities are more with 138 900 and that is due to seasonal factors - the increase is mainly in the agriculture, construction and tourism. The unemployed are 16.3 per cent from the economic active population at 18.5 in March 2000 and 14.1 in June 1999.
Source: Standart (31.07.2000)

The incomes from sales of industrial enterprises have grown with 3.9 per cent during the first six months of 2000, compared to the same period last year, was announced from the National Statistics Institute (NSI). There is growth in the reprocessing industry with 4.8 per cent and in the production and distribution of electricity, gas and water with 3.7 per cent. In the mining industry there is a decrease of 7 per cent. The increase in the sales for export during the first six months is with 29.2 per cent. In June alone the growth and incomes from export is with 28.2 per cent. The sales at the domestic market drop with 7.9 per cent for the period and with 14.7 per cent for the month.
Source: BTA (10.08.2000)

The retail sales in our country in June 2000 are for BGN 580 million. The increase, compared to the previous month is with 4.8 per cent. The sales of food products, drinks and tobacco products in our country have increased with 3.3 per cent. The sales of non-food products have increased with 5.9 per cent. Compared to the same month in 1999 however, their amount has dropped with 0.7 per cent.There is increase in all the trade activities, except for the trade with lubricants, where there is insufficient decrease.
Source: BTA (10.08.2000)

The chain index of the consumer's prices for July as of June is 100.5 and the inflation is 0.5 per cent. The basic index of the consumer's prices for July (estimated on the base of the average prices for 1999) is 105.4 and the inflation is 5.4 per cent. This was announced from the National Statistic Institute. The index of the consumer's prices for July 2000 compared to July 1999 is 108.6 and for the period of January - July 2000 compared to the same period last year - 109.5 per cent. The inflation since the beginning of the year (July 2000 compared to December 1999) is 3.1 per cent. In July compared to June the prices of the food products grew with 1.4 per cent, and the prices of the non-food products dropped with 0.3 per cent.
Source: BTA (11.08.2000)

The size of the unemployed, registered in July in the Plovdiv Municipality, grew with 40 per cent compared to the previous month. In the end of last month the unemployed in the region were more than 53 400 in number. For the first time since the beginning of the year the newly registered - 53 per cent, have the right to receive compensations from the Labour Department. A part of the unemployed are taking requalificational courses. The aim of the activity, financed by the PHAR program, is to create job positions for at least 3 months for the people, who remained temporarily without any incomes.
Source: BTA (11.08.2000)

The level of unemployment in July is 18.33 per cent and is 0.11 per cent higher than the level, which was registered last month. The increase is connected with the release of working force from the state-owned enterprises. According to official data, the number of unemployed in Bulgaria in July was 700 699 which is 4148 people more compared to June. The lowest unemployment level is that in Sofia - 5.54 per cent. There's a record high unemployment level in Targovishte - 33.48 per cent. An average of 66 people competed for one job position in July. In Sofia proportion was 26:1. 10 589 free job positions remained vacant in the end of the month.
Source: BTA (17.08.2000)

The incomes from international tourism for the first five months of the year 2000 amount to USD 282.9 million, was announced from the Ministry of Economy (ME). The sum exceeds the registered receipts in the sector during last year with 14.26 per cent. 17.97 per cent more foreign tourists visited Bulgaria in July compared to same month last year. In this way the tourist flow in our country during the first seven months of this year increased with 23.86 per cent compared to the same period last year. In July the foreign tourists who were on holiday in Bulgaria were 369 321 in number. In the beginning of the year their number was 1 293 768. During the first months of the year the Bulgarian citizens spent USD 184.8 million for traveling abroad, which represents a growth of 3.41 per cent. The positive balance in the Tourism item for the first five months of 2000 is USD 98.1 million.
Source: Pari (17.08.2000)

The foreign trade deficit of our country for the first six months of this year is USD 581.9 million, according to data from the National Statistic Institute (NSI). The deficit is by 14 per cent larger compared to the same period last year. The import exceeds the export by 37 per cent. The total amount of the foreign trade in the country for the half-year is USD 5.274 billion. The export has grown with 25 per cent compared to the same period last year and amounts to USD 2.227 billion. The import has grown with 25 per cent and for the first six months of this year amounts to USD 3.047 billion. Almost half of the trade of our country is with the EU. The largest import is from Russia - USD 727.4 million, because of the import of fuels. The next places are for Germany, Italy, Greece, Romania and Austria.
Source: Standart (29.08.2000)

The retail sales in July have increased by 10.2 per cent compared to June and by 3.8 per cent compared to July 1999, was announced from the National Statistic Institute. The growth of the sales of food, drinks and tobacco products compared to last month is by 8.5 per cent, and that of the non-food products - by 11.4 per cent. The total value of the retail sales is BGN 3812 million. Compared to the same period last month, 4.2 per cent more food, drinks and tobacco products and 3.3 more non-food products have been sold.
Source: BTA (12.09.2000)

The incomes of the industrial enterprises from sales of their production have increased during the first seven months of this year by 4 per cent compared to the same period last year, was announced from the National Statistic Institute. In July only, the increase of the sales compared to the same month last year is by 8 per cent, but compared to June 2000 NSI reports a drop of the sales by 4.7 per cent. The increase in the sales at the foreign markets is by 31.1 per cent for the first seven months and by 42.5 per cent in June alone.
Source: BTA (12.09.2000)

In July the number of the employed people has dropped with 33 584 people, was announced from the National Statistic Institute. Tin the public sector the decrease is with almost 39 000, while in the private sector the number of the employed has increased with 5144 people. In July 17 782 people were fired, which is 22 per cent of the unemployed.
Source: BTA (13.09.2000)

The average gross salary in July is BGN 228, was reported from the National Statistic Institute. In the public sector it is BGN 248 and in the private - BGN 209. In the budget organizations the average gross salary is BGN 202 and in the companies with incomes from economic activity- BGn 238. In July the highest salary is reported in the branch Production and processing of oil, coke and nuclear fuels - BGN 502, in the financial and insurance services - BGN 427. In the tailoring industry the average salary is BGN 150, in the wood-processing - BGN 158. The increase of the remuneration of the employed in the State Administration in July is with 8 per cent and totally for the budget organizations - with 2.53 per cent. The average gross salary in July is with BGN 1.00 lower than in June.
Source: BTA (13.09.2000)

The inflation in August is 3 per cent, and since the beginning of the year - 6.3 per cent, was announced today (September 13) at a press conference by experts from the National Statistic Institute. Compared to July, the prices of foods have been raised with 5.5 per cent, and those of the non-food products - with 0.3 per cent; services - with 2.3 per cent. In August there was repeated increase of the prices of automobile fuel.
Source: Sega (13.09.2000)

The growth of GDP in the second three months of the year is 5.5 per cent compared to the same period last year, was announced from National Statistic Institute. According to preliminary data, for the period of April - June GDP is BGN 5.6 billion, which is BGN 682 per head. At an average rate of BGN 2.0961 for USD 1, in the second three months GDP is USD 2.672 billion, or USD 325 per head. The growth of the added value in GDP in the second three months is 6.7 per cent, according to the data from the statistics. The economic organizations from the public sector make 31 per cent GDP. The contribution of the private sector is almost twice as large - it makes 69 per cent of GDP. In the public sector the added value for the three months is minus 13.5 per cent, while in the private sector there is an actual increase of 19 per cent.
Source: Standart (26.09.2000)

The commodity transfer between Bulgaria and Germany during the second quarter of 2000 is for DEM 684.07 million, was reported from the German Ambass Embassy in the State. The export for Germany between April and June is for DEM 253.76 million. The German import in Bulgaria for the same period is for DEM 430.31. According to the data the increase is with 19.7 per cent compared to the first quarter of this year. Thishas been the best result in the trade between the two countries since the beginning of the 90's.
Source: Standart (28.09.2000)

The inflation in September is 2.4 per cent and since the beginning of the year it is 8.8 per cent, was announced from the National Statistic Institute today (October 12). In September the prices of food products have been raised with 2.5 per cent and those of the non-food products - with 2.3 per cent compared to August.
Source: BTA (12.10.2000)

The incomes from sales during the first eight months of the year have risen with 4.5 per cent compared to the same period of 1999. An increase has been registered in the processing industry - by 5.8 per cent. In the obtaining industry there is a drop of 4.6 per cent. The results from the sales in August 2000, compared to the same month last year, are by 6.5 per cent higher. The biggest increase is in the obtaining industry - 7.2 per cent, in the processing industry - 6.7 per cent. The increase in the export sales compared to 1999 is 30.1 per cent for the period, and for the month it is 23.5 per cent, while the sales at the local market have dropped with 8.1 per cent for the period and with 4.4 per cent for the month.
Source: BTA (12.10.2000)

The unemployment rate in September is 16.2 per cent or this is 549 100 people from the economic active population in Bulgaria are without work, according to data of the National Statistic Institute. The highest rate of unemployment is reported in Turgovishte - 37.4 per cent, Vidin - 33.5 per cent and Smolian - 33 per cent. The biggest number of the unemployed entities is in the age group between 15-24 years. The number of the workers in the public sector is dropping and in the private sector is increasing. In the sphere of the services are hired 1.562 million people or 55 per cent of all employed. In the industry are employed 932.1 people and in the agriculture - 336 000.
Source: Pari (26.10.2000)

The data of the Bulgarian and German statistic offices for the import in the State for 1999 differ with USD 55 million. The reason is in the import of old automobiles that if cost below DEM 1600, since the beginning of 1999 they have not been reported by the German statistic. According to a project, NSI controls the commodity transfer of Bulgaria with 7 countries. The aim is to be explicit the reasons for the differences in the data.
Source: BTA (01.11.2000)

The foreign trade commodity transfer for the first 8 months of 2000 increased with about 20 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to NSI. Only in August the raise is with 10 per cent. The export amounts to USD 3069.9 million and the import - USD 3797.2 million. The main trade partner of Bulgaria remains the European Union. For the 8th moths of the year, Bulgaria exported goods for EU for USD 1625.9 million and imported for USD 1887.6 million. Among the European countries the main trade partners continue to be Italy, Germany and Greece and with Italy and Greece the trade balance is positive.
Source: BTA (01.11.2000)

The incomes of the industrial companies from sales of their production abroad increase with 28.8 per cent between January and September this year in comparison with the same period last year. The growth of the industrial export only in September is with 20.5 per cent. The sales at the domestic market decreased with 6.4 per cent for the first 9 months of the year and with 0.03 per cent in September. The total raise of the net sales of the industrial companies is with 5.4 per cent during the first months of the year. In the processing industry there is an increase of 6.1 per cent and with 5.9 per cent in the production and allocation of electro energy, gas and water. In the extraction industry there is a decrease of 4.7 per cent.
Source: BTA (13.11.2000)

The inflation in October is 1.2 per cent and the accumulated from the beginning of year - 10.1 per cent, was reported from NSI. In October the prices of the food-staffs increased with 1.3 per cent, of the non-food goods - with 1.1 per cent and of the services with 0.9 per cent. The prices of the gasiform fuels for heating increased during the month with 4.1 per cent and the liquid for heating - 2.3 per cent. The increase in the education is 15.5 per cent, in the public transport - 3.6 per cent. The medicines reported an increase of 3.5 per cent and the doctors' and stomatologic services - under 1 per cent. The price of the hot water is reduced with 0.6 per cent.
Source: Standart (14.11.2000)

The average working salary in September is BGN 241 with BGN 14 higher than in August, according to data of NSI. In the public sector the salary is BGN 272 and in the private - BGN 213. The highest rewards in September are paid in the production and processing of oil and nuclear fuel - BGN 526, in the branch Electro energy, gas and water - BGN 453, in the financial sector - BGN 452. The lowest salaries are given to the workers from the leather and shoe industry - BGN 136, in the hotel keeping and public catering - BGN 159. The average salary in the education is BGN 213 and in the health services - BGN 179.
Source: BTA (14.11.2000)

The investment business inquiry of NSI realised during the second half of October reveals corrections in the expected investment activity of the industrial companies in 2001. The expected increase of the investments this year compared to the last year is about 10 per cent and a part of the planned investments in the beginning of 2000 transfer in the plans for the next year. The planned expenses for acquisition of fixed assets and intangible assets in 2001 are expected to be in the same amount. 62 per cent of them are expected in the companies from the private sector.
Source: BTA (17.11.2000)

The gray economy is at least 30 per cent of GDP, stated the MP Mr. Roumen Ovcharov. the present Government privatized 30 per cent of the state-owned property. The private sector provided 56.5 per cent from GDP in 1997 while in 1999 it provided 57.1 per cent, specified Mr. Ovcharov. According to him the privatized companies by this way either do not produce or went in the grey economy. The Budget 2001 will bring higher incomes of the business and households and lower taxes, declared the Deputy Minister of Finance Mr. Dimitar Radev. In Bulgaria the budget reallocates 37.8 per cent from GDP while in the European Union through the budgets are reallocated about 45 per cent from GDP with a tendency of a slight drop by 2003.
Source: Standart (20.11.2000)

62 per cent of the companies in Shoumen region realized a profit for 1999. Each 4th company is without profit and each 7th finished the period with a loss, according to data of Territory Statistic Office in Shoumen. According to the Director Mrs. Atanasula Nasteva the amount of the profits is over BGN 25 million. For comparison the total amount of the losses is BGN 44 million. The most inconsiderable are the profits in the agriculture. 19 are the big companies in the region with a personnel over 250 people. In the companies from the region are employed 35 451 workers. The tendency is to be used not highly professional personnel because of the impossibility of giving high salaries. 13 of the biggest companies are processing, 36 from the companies are in the field of the education and 35 from the branch of the health services.
Source: BTA (21.11.2000)

In the end of October the rate of the employment as a percentage of the economic active population remains not changed compared to September - 17.78 per cent, was reported by the National Employment Office (NEO). The reason for this according to NEO is the increased number of the unemployed included during the month in programme for employment. The unemployed people in October are 679 902 people and the declared vacant work-places - 20 258.
Source: BTA (29.11.2000)

The net sales from production of 34 companies from the public sector in Dobrudja region nearby Danube increased with 21.4 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2000. The sold production is for BGN 7 504 000. The net profit of the companies is BGN 622 000 but the debts of the company that are prolonged amount to BGN 12 412 000. However, compared to the third quarter the debts decreased with 0.4 per cent.
Source: BTA (30.11.2000)

The foreign trade commodity turnover of Bulgaria for the period January - September amounts to USD 815.6 million. In comparison with the same period of 1999 it increased with 19.6 per cent, according to data of NSI. The foreign trade balance for the first 9 months remains negative and is USD 772.2 million. According to data of NSI for the first 9 months of the year are exported goods for USD 3508.6 million and the increase compared to the same period of 1999 is with 22.2 per cent. The import increased with 17.7 per cent and amounts to USD 4643.0 million. The most serious was the import in January. Main trade partners of Bulgaria continue to be the countries from the European Union with which is realized half of the commodity turnover. The trade balance of the State with Italy, Greece, Belgium and Spain.
Source: Pari (30.11.2000)

The foreign trade commodity turnover of Bulgaria for the period January - September amounts to USD 815.6 million. In comparison with the same period of 1999 it increased with 19.6 per cent, according to data of NSI. The foreign trade balance for the first 9 months remains negative and is USD 772.2 million. According to data of NSI for the first 9 months of the year are exported goods for USD 3508.6 million and the increase compared to the same period of 1999 is with 22.2 per cent. The import increased with 17.7 per cent and amounts to USD 4643.0 million. The most serious was the import in January. Main trade partners of Bulgaria continue to be the countries from the European Union with which is realized half of the commodity turnover. The trade balance of the State with Italy, Greece, Belgium and Spain.
Source: Standart (30.11.2000)

The commodity exchange between Bulgaria and Serbia for the first 9 months of the year reached USD 270 million. The Director of South-eastern Europe department in the Ministry of Economy Mr. Atanas Tomov declared that these have been the highest amounts for 7 years. The experts of the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Petar Zhotev expected by the end of the year the trade with Serbia to reach between USD 340 million and USD 360 million. Bulgaria exports mainly the oil products and fuels, water, wood, copper ores, products of the chemical industry and others. Serbia exports for Bulgaria agricultural products and construction materials.
Source: Standart (12.12.2000)

The average working salary in October was BGN 230. In the public sector it was BGN 248 and in the private - BGN 213, was reported from NSI. The average salary is with BGN 11 or with 5 per cent lower than this in September because of the higher premiums and single remunerations in the public sector. Compared to October 1999 the increase of the salary is with 13.9 per cent. In the budget organizations the average gross salary is BGN 202 and in the companies - BGN 239. The employees in the public sector decreased with about 13 000 and in the private are with 1 500 workers more.
Source: BTA (13.12.2000)

The incomes of the industrial companies from sales of their production for the 9th months of the year are higher with 5.8 per cent compared to the same period last year. The drop in the prices of the thermal energy is the most considerable - with 29.5 per cent. In the last month the food-staffs increased their prices with 0.1 per cent. The medicines also increased their prices with 5.4 per cent. The export incomes increased with 25.8 per cent in comparison with September. For the period January - October the raise of the sales for export is with 28.7 per cent. The sales at the domestic market decreased with 6.1 per cent for the 9th months and with 5.3 per cent for October.
Source: BTA (13.12.2000)

The inflation in November is - 0.2 per cent and since the beginning of the year it has been 9.9 per cent, was reported from NSI. The deflation during the last month is because of the drop in the prices of the services with 2.2 per cent. The drop in the prices of the thermal energy is the most considerable - with 29.5 per cent. In the last month the food-staffs increased their prices with 0.1 per cent. The medicines also increased their prices with 5.4 per cent. The export incomes increased with 25.8 per cent in comparison with September. For the period January - October the raise of the sales for export is with 28.7 per cent. The sales at the domestic market decreased with 6.1 per cent for the 9th months.
Source: Pari (13.12.2000)

The deficit in the trade of Bulgaria with the countries from the European Union for 1999is EUR 500 million, according to Eurostat. The import from the countries-members of the EU is for EUR 2.7 billion and increased with 11 per cent during the last year. The export to EU increased only with 1 per cent to EUR 2.2 billion. In 1998 the deficit in the trade of Bulgaria with the countries from the Union was EUR 200 million, according to data of Eurostat. About 50 per cent from the trade of Bulgaria is with countries from EU. The biggest trade partners of Bulgaria from EU are Germany, Italy and Greece.
Source: Standart (20.12.2000)