Skopje, 3 December 2025 (MIA) - The Macedonian-Serbian Business Forum taking place in Skopje on Wednesday unites the economic potentials of the two countries and is an expression of the common vision for a stronger regional economy and deepening partnerships, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Inter-Community Relations Ivan Stoilkovikj told the opening of the event.

"We are building an economy that is stable, predictable, innovative, and based on investments. That is why such forums are not a formality, but a driver of concrete projects for growth, development and shared achievements," said Stoilkovikj. 

He expects the forum to bring new business partnerships between Macedonian and Serbian businesspeople, investments, opening of new export channels and jobs, which will soon result in an increase in trade exchange to the level of EUR 2 billion.  

According to Stoilkovikj, "Macedonia enters this cooperation with stable and convincing economic results." In addition, he pointed to economic growth data of 3.4 percent, inflation between 3.5 and 4 percent, as well as growth of net wages, industrial production, noting that it follows a positive economic trajectory, as well as activities for financial stability through reducing public debt, and the level of investments.

"Capital investments are the driving force of growth. The amount of EUR 1.2 billion of foreign investments is confirmation that the country is becoming an attractive and reliable destination for investments," Stoilkovikj said. 

All this, he pointed out, will have no purpose unless it leads to a stronger, more competitive and more dynamic regional economy. "That is why in relations with Serbia we are building a partnership based on trust, common interests and practical results. Our economies are naturally connected, our markets complement each other, our companies create value that grows with every cooperation. Together we are creating a market of 10 million people with strong prospects in the agro-industry, automotive components, energy and logistics," said Stoilkovikj.

Previously on Wednesday, Deputy PM Stoilkovikj and Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two countries and held a meeting focused on bilateral cooperation and its intensification.

Photo: print screen