WORKING MEETING ON THE "ZAHIR" PROJECT WITH THE MINISTER OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH

The vice-rectors of Thrace University - Prof. Darina Zaimova and Associate Professor Emil Slavov participated in a working meeting with the Minister of Innovation and Growth - Mrs. Milena Stoicheva in connection with the implementation of the "Zahir" project, whose coordinator is the Staro Zagorje University of Applied Sciences. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Zhivko Todorov, Mayor of Stara Zagora Municipality, Stara Zagora Regional Governor - Mrs. Iva Radeva, Executive Director of Zagore Industrial Zone - Radoslav Tanev, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Stara Zagora Municipality - Mr. Radostin Tanev.

The essence of the project is aimed at the construction of the first hydrogen valley in Bulgaria. and local level, NGOs and academia. In addition, we will also gain valuable experience from our partners from Germany, Latvia and Hungary." - Prof. Zaimova shared during the meeting and added that Thrace University is trying to develop science and education in the field of "green" technologies in parallel. In the Stara Zagora University, there is already an educational direction related to the hydrogen economy, which arouses interest among students from various specialties. In addition, Thrace University has a joint master's program in bio-based industries with the University of Pannonia, Hungary. The purpose of such partnerships is clear – exchange of valuable experience and expertise with a view to the future and the smooth transition to a low-carbon economy.

During the meeting, other important topics were discussed, such as the role of education in the digitalization of various economic sectors, the need to introduce programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among young people, etc. At the end of the discussion, the attendees united around the idea that Bulgaria has the potential to offer quality education in various spheres of socio-economic life and that this will become a trademark of our country.