German chemicals group BASF is looking at five countries in eastern and central Europe, including Bulgaria, for the construction of a new plant for manufacturing cathalitic converters for cars, Capital Daily said on November 23 2011.

Currently, BASF is present in Bulgaria only through its subsidiary in the country.

Representatives of the German company have already made several visits to Bulgaria. Among the potential hubs for BASF's plant are also Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.

BASF is expected to choose the country for its new facility by end-March 2012.

"It is absolutely possible for BASF to invest in Bulgaria. However, this is a matter of comprehensive assessment. We can not create expectations, which may not be fulfilled," Valentina Dikanska, head of Finance and Administration at BASF Bulgaria, said.

InvestBulgaria Agency did not comment on the report when contacted by Capital Daily.