Skopje, 14 December 2024 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expects foreign direct investments to exceed one billion euros by the end of the year, positioning Macedonia as one of the region's leading countries.

"I believe we have delivered on what we promised, and more. We are continuing with our activities. I expect foreign direct investments to surpass one billion euros by the end of this year. This process gained momentum in the third and fourth quarters, and I expect us to be the leading country in the region per capita, returning to where we were 7-8 years ago and continuing to work more vigorously and with greater motivation," Mickoski told reporters Saturday during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for kindergarten expansion in the village of Tarinci, Municipality of Karbinci.

He added that, in the almost six months since the new government took office, a cornerstone has been laid, negotiations with foreign investors are either concluding or have already concluded, for investments exceeding 700 million euros, which will result in about 2,800 new jobs.

“That is the direct impact, but we expect the indirect impact to be at least as much, especially in terms of companies that will cooperate with these foreign investors,” Mickoski said.

He announced that in the area between Shtip, Karbinci, and Radovish, the construction of a wind farm is expected to begin by the end of June or early July, which will produce electricity with a capacity of 20 percent of the country's total consumption.

He noted that yesterday in Kichevo, a new investment was announced that, when it reaches its maximum capacity, which according to the executive director, is expected in six to seven years, will generate exports of approximately half a billion euros.

“But what is also important is that they are considering the possibility of expanding the investment with an additional one. Possible locations mentioned include the existing one in Kichevo, as well as the one in Shtip,” Mickoski added.

The highest number of employees is expected to be more than 600 when the investment reaches its maximum.

Mickoski stated that all of this will also contribute to increasing the GDP of the Macedonian economy.

Photo/video: MIA