Smolyan
The municipality of Smolyan rises above a territory of 879 km². Thirty thousand inhabitants live in the city itself and another 20,000 live in smaller municipal settlements. Agricultural production and forestry are pillars of the local economy. Accordingly, wood and food processing are the most important industries.
Although sustained economic growth has not been achieved, the municipality established a free market, private property and support services for entrepreneurs to create favorable conditions for an economic transformation.
Smolyan’s participation in the economic development cluster of the Cities of Change Network will contribute to its strategic plan for economic development. The municipality is involving NGOs, local businessmen and the community in this planning process. A priority is the promotion of ecotourism at the Pamporovo ski resort. Employment and income opportunities will contribute to the preservation of this unspoiled landscape in addition to fostering economic growth.