The initiator of such a collaboration was Promet Steel. As Dmytro Zakharchenko, the executive director of the company, pointed out: "Currently, the metallurgy sector is the least sought-after and protected industry in Bulgaria. This has led to a significant shortage of personnel for the company, as it is nearly impossible to find the required specialists in the market, and the education system does not provide adequate training for them." Thus, the idea emerged to combine Metinvest Polytechnic's metallurgical science and knowledge with the European teaching practices of Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University at Promet Steel's production and training site, leveraging their extensive practical experience."

This memorandum aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and technology between universities and industrial businesses. It includes joint research projects, retraining Promet Steel personnel, developing joint educational programs and establishing academic mobility mechanisms.

Collaboration with Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University emphasizes our joint dedication to advancing state-of-the-art technologies and educating highly skilled professionals for the international market. With Promet Steel's involvement, the universities will collaborate in related fields such as materials science, electrical engineering, electronics, industrial automation, communication, computer equipment, general engineering, and more. Special attention will be placed on sharing scientific accomplishments and creative solutions in metallurgy, managing technological and environmental risks, improving business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring occupational safety. Additionally, both parties see potential in developing professional training and retraining programs, enhancing professional standards to meet business needs, creating double degree programs, and having Metinvest Polytechnic students study the Bulgarian language.

Highlighting the significance of this promising partnership, Oleksandr POVAZHNYI, Rector of Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University, stated: "The signing of this memorandum is a testament to our commitment to innovation and development." We are excited to collaborate with Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University and Promet Steel. This partnership will help disseminate our accomplishments in engineering education, improve industry training, implement our scientists' practical advancements overseas, and enhance our scientific opportunities on a global scale. Joint efforts will also help us develop the potential for achievements in science and the Ukrainian industry.

Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University is a leading institution in southeastern Bulgaria and has an extensive network of international partnerships. Therefore, more opportunities are now available for the participants of the memorandum to access international educational resources. Promet Steel, renowned for producing a variety of hot-rolled shapes, will contribute to the joint project by sharing advanced practical knowledge with university students and teachers.