The final version of the contract for the concession of Trakiya Highway has to be completed by the end of 2007, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Assen Gagaouzov said.

Construction of three of the five sections of the highway had to begin in 2008, Gagaouzov said, as quoted by Focus news agency.

On December 12 2007, Gagaouzov signed a draft decision giving the green light to the concession. The decision will be put to the Cabinet for approval at its next meeting.

Gagaouzov confirmed that clauses would be included in annexes to the final version of the contract to prevent the granting of state aid.

He said that the registration of an international design company for the construction of the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis would be launched in coming weeks.