InvestBulgaria Agency has certified this year projects worth close to 300 million leva (150 million euro) which are expected to open more than 4000 new jobs. In the Agency’s estimates projects last year were half this year’s numbers, its Executive Director Stamen Yanev has said. It has already become a tradition to see strong interest in the country’s automotive sector, he added. Over the past five years more than one hundred large companies have started operations in Bulgaria to manufacture components for almost all car brands. The forecast for next year is even better, with 20 projects in the pipeline to the tune of more than 400 million leva (200 million euro) and prospects for opening six thousand jobs. Interest is set to remain strong in seven priority sectors - computer and communications technology, electrical equipment, machinery, textiles and clothing, chemical products and foodstuffs. According to a study of InvestBulgaria Agency, investors have a positive attitude to Bulgaria’s economic prospects. This is mainly due to relatively cheap labor, low taxes and affordable electricity rates.