“Today, the software industry formed 1,74% of GDP, or 17,000 jobs in the sector.” That is what Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said during solemn ceremony of presenting the John Atanasoff Awards.

“Today, the software industry forms 1,74% of GDP. We must be aware that some 5 years ago this percentage was less. 60% of the Bulgarian software industry sale is export to the best in the world – USA, Canada, Western Europe. Number of jobs in the sector were 5,000 10 years ago, while today there are 17,000 jobs in the sector. We must aware that the turnover of the companies was 6 times less 10 years ago. There is 600% growth in the sector for 10 years,” the President commented.

“90% of employed in the sector Bulgarians are under the age of 35 years, and 80% speak foreign languages. IT sector is part of the good image of Bulgaria. Many young people find their realisation in the sector,” President Plevneliev said further.

He said that in the future countries will not be strong because of their armies, but because they will benefit from the realisation of each person.

“The future is not the army of soldiers and competent young people,” Mr Plevneliev said.