Skopje, 31 January 2025 (MIA) - Macedonian exports are facing major problems. In order to increase export, in addition to investments in new production facilities that will be realized with the Hungarian loan, reforms in public administration are also necessary. Companies need faster issuance of construction permits, faster urban planning, faster infrastructure connections, gas, electricity, etc. Foreign experts must be hired for some of the investments, hence key issues include visa policy, work permits, among other, business community representatives told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

According to Friday's event at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, export growth over the past 10 to 15 years, which has ranged between 7 and 10 percent, has not contributed to a significant increase in GDP and the economy, and one of the key reasons for this is the low value added. 

Economic Chamber president Branko Azeski said Macedonian products should reach all countries in the world, which should be the goal, adding that export is the only chance for the Macedonian economy and added value should be created through export.

"I speak very simply and clearly, export is our only chance. Added value should be created through it, and it will be created if productivity increases, which, in turn, will be achieved if we all participate in that process with conscientious and responsible behaviour. I believe we are on the right track to creating a platform because the favourable opportunities that we have been creating for a long time are now coming at the right time, amid an uncertain situation ahead of us, given the political and geostrategic changes. Let's see how we would cope in such a situation," Azeski said ahead of Friday's promotion of a Club of Exporters and the Institute on Export.

According to him, the country has solid firms, companies and staff, money is always scarce, but starting tomorrow or today, funds from the Hungarian loan will be available for use.

Both Azeski and the PM believe that public-private dialogue is the only way to resolve and overcome all problems. Priorities must be created in cooperation with the business community, and this should not remain just a promise, but must also have a realistic, achievable basis.

PM Mickoski reiterated that the Government remains a partner of the business community. Support remains for both foreign investors and domestic companies. The goal is to employ as many people as possible, provide higher wages, increase investment, and motivate people to stay in the country. Cooperation with the region is also very important, Mickoski added. 

He noted that the Institute on Export is a good opportunity for the chambers of commerce from the region to discuss connecting, networking and entering new markets.

"As a government, and also previously as an opposition, we have always been a partner of the business community. We will remain so. I believe the business and the government should be partners and cooperate in partnership and complement each other. Only in this way can we be more competitive. It's a good opportunity that today the largest regional chambers are here, together with our largest chamber. They will be able to discuss together the future and future plans, regional connections, networking and entering new markets, because I believe that slowly, but surely we will need networking and seeking to enter new markets together," Mickoski pointed out. 

As regards foreign direct investments, he pointed out among other that excellent results have been achieved, adding that he expects the trend to continue this year.

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia organized Friday an event "Day of Exports", including a session of the National Council on Exports and promotion of the Club of Exporters, which has over 200 members, and the Institute on Export, which is to provide support to companies in increasing their placement outside the country.

Photo: MIA