Plovdiv/Sofia, 16.11.2011 - The German Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria, H.E. Matthias Hoepfner, paid a visit to the new training lab for solar technicians in the Interschool Centre for Vocational Training MUZTPO, Plovdiv. The equipment of the new lab was funded by the German Government in the framework of the Project for Economic Cooperation between Rheinland Pfalz and Southeast Europe. The lab opening ceremony took place just ten days ago, on 03.11.2011.

The German Ambassador was welcomed and greeted by the school principal, Mr. Krasimir Shipkov, the executive director of the Balkan Middle Class Office Mr. Emil Vasilev, Dr. Pavlinka Katsarova, head  of the Regional Inspectorate on Education, the Deputy Mayor for education and culture of Plovdiv municipality , Mr. Stoyanov, the Honorary Consulate of Germany in Bulgaria, Dr. Mariana Cholakova.

In his talks with representatives of the local media, Mr. Hoepfner pointed out the importance of vocational training and qualification not only for the young generation but also for the foreign investors. He also put an emphasis on the significance of learning and practice of new modern craft professions which will serve as a basis for the raising of the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy as a whole.

After the visit to the training lab and the ambassador’s conversation with the German expert and lecturer at the currently taking place training in MUZTPO, Mr. Rheiner Winkels, Mr. Hoepfner was taken to some other MUZTPO workshops which were equipped with German financial support and Koblenz Chamber of Crafts.

At the end of the visit, Mr. Hoepfner received a bottle of red Bulgarian wine as a gift. Mr. Matthias Hoepfner claimed his willingness to continue his collaboration not only with the Interschool for Vocational Training in Plovdiv but also with the rest of the vocational training centres in Bulgaria. In his opinion the investment in new technologies is an investment in the future well-being of the country as a whole.

More information:

Balkan Middle Class Office

Sofia 1000

Tel.: 00359 2 980 99 16

www.mbb-org.eu

www.westbalkans.net