The measures taken by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) to reduce the minimum reserve requirements for commercial banks are producing results, BNB Governor Ivan Iskrov said here on Monday, taking a reporter's question.

"The changes came as a response to the tensions on the world financial market in November-October 2008, which had an impact in Bulgaria, too, as the interest rate surged," Iskrov said, assuring his audience that the market is steady and the volumes from before November-October have been recovered.

For the first time in its history, the BNB will hold open days on April 11 and 12 to mark its 130th anniversary. During the two days, members of the people will be able to get familiar with the operation of the central credit register, to print banknotes with their own picture, to tour the BNB Managing Board room and the Governor's Blue Study.

Also on the occasion of the anniversary, the central bank will publish a catalogue of all Bulgarian coins and banknotes issued since the establishment of the BNB, will grant scholarships for four students who will be offered jobs at the bank after graduation, and will redesign the bank's Internet site for the first time in ten years.

A collection of documents covering the 1948-1990 period has been prepared for publication. Part of the items have never before been published.

The observances of the 130th anniversary will culminate in a gala concert on June 12, to be attended by heads of Bulgarian government institutions and central bank governors of the European Union, the Balkans, the US, Japan and Russia.

Source: BTA