The closure of Kremikovtsi metal processing plant would have a negative impact on the entire Bulgarian economy, Economy and Energy Minister Petar Dimitrov said.

The plant made nearly two per cent of Bulgaria’s GDP, six per cent of the export and its revenue exceeded Sofia municipality's budget, Dimitrov told Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

The idea “someone is soiling, I have to close them” was attractive, but Bulgarian economy could not afford such a move, he said.

Dimitrov did not deny that the plant was polluting the environment, but a special cleaning programme had been started and fines were imposed by the Environment and Water Affairs Ministry.

According to Dimitrov, it was of interest to the employees, the economy, the state railways, the ports and mostly to the current account for Kremikovtzi to continue functioning.