SOFIA, February 13, 2015

The Bulgarian government will continue to count on World Bank’s knowledge in the roads sector for providing strategic advice in how to introduce the Electronic Toll System to efficiently collect revenues. An extension of the existing advisory service agreement was signed today by Lazar Lazarov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Roads Infrastructure Agency, and World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria Tony Thompson. The event was chaired by Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Liliyana Pavlova.

The initial advisory service agreement was signed in October 2012 under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Bulgaria and the World Bank on partnership and support in the implementation of the EU Structural Instruments.

The main purpose of the extension is to draw on the World Bank’s global knowledge and expertise in roads management, providing ideas and solutions for the introduction of the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS). The World Bank team of experts will look into the opportunities and options to transform the existing Vignette system into an Electronic Toll Collection System. The activities should be performed by December 31, 2015.

“It is a privilege for the World Bank to partner with Bulgaria in identifying solutions for the best use of its roads infrastructure. We are committed to continue bringing up the best of our global knowledge to the benefit of all Bulgarians,” said World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria Tony Thompson.

“The World Bank analytical advice is important for us, because we need clear plans and good ideas on how to reap the benefits of the new roads and how to continue upgrading infrastructure while spending efficiently,” emphasized Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Liliyana Pavlova after the signing.