As an old industrial center, the city of Sliven has a tradition in the production of textiles and knitwear, food and beverages, machinery and equipment. The favorable climate is a prerequisite for the establishment of the Sliven region as an important supplier of agricultural products. The conditions are extremely suitable for the development of fruit growing (especially the production of peaches and cherries), viticulture, vegetable production, production of sunflowers and cereals, as well as for the development of animal husbandry.

Territorially, industry and services are most developed in the municipalities of Sliven and Nova Zagora. The agricultural sector also has strong positions in them. For the municipalities of Kotel and Tvarditsa, agriculture is of the utmost importance. The greatest potential for tourism development is in the municipalities of Kotel and Sliven.

The traditions in the production of textiles are determined by a remarkable event – the construction in 1834 in the town of Sliven of the first textile factory by Dobri Zhelyazkov, which is the first industrial enterprise on the Balkan Peninsula. With its creation, the Bulgarian industry also started. To this day, Sliven is one of the textile centers of Bulgaria. Here are some of the largest textile companies in the country – an investment of the Italian concern “Miroglio”. It is important to produce carpets from the very famous manufacturer Decotex Carpet AD. A significant place is occupied by the many small companies producing towels and products, men’s and women’s socks, clothing. The region is also famous for the traditional for the town of Kotel and the villages around it handmade production of carpets woven with folklore motifs.

Production of food and beverages is the second most important industry in Sliven region. He has strong positions in wine production, milk processing, meat and meat products, canned fruits and vegetables. Major producers and exporters of wine in the region are Domaine Boyar, whose new winery in Sliven is one of the most modern in Europe and “Vini” JSC, which produces high quality wines and high alcoholic beverages. The grain processing was presented by Melinvest Holding. The production of canned fruits and vegetables, which are sold on the markets of Europe, the USA and the CIS, also has a major place in the development of the industry. Sliven is also home to some of the largest enterprises for processing and packaging nuts.

The production of machinery and equipment is represented by several large companies in Sliven and Nova Zagora, which produce universal lathes, column drilling machines, woodworking machines, metal cutting machines, agricultural machinery.

Livestock is the second major sub-sector of agriculture in the district. The good fodder production in the Polish part of the district – the municipalities of Nova Zagora and Sliven – creates favorable conditions for the development of cattle and pig breeding, and the presence of meadows and pastures in the mountainous and semi-mountainous part – Kotel and Tvarditsa – favors the development of sheep and beef cattle. . The largest market for live animals in Southern Bulgaria has been built on the territory of Sliven Mineral Baths. Here are held national and regional exhibitions of animal husbandry, auctions and scientific and practical conferences supporting the production of animal products in the region.

Workers, cooks, babysitters, construction workers are among those in demand at the labor exchange.