Skopje, 26 September 2023 (MIA) – Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi addressed a forum of economy ministers Tuesday in Tirana titled “Common Regional Market – Step towards EU Single Market” held within the frameworks of the Berlin Process.

“North Macedonia is fully committed to strengthening regional cooperation by removing all barriers, approving all protocols and implementing them on the basis of the standards and regulations requested and established by the EU member states,” said Bekteshi.

The Minister stressed that the living standard of the citizens should be raised, and that opportunities should be created for the youth.

“When we listen to emotional speeches from business leaders who look back to the past, I think we are on the wrong path. We must move forward to raise the living standard of the citizens, to have economic growth, thereby creating opportunities for youth prosperity,” said Minister Bekteshi at the business forum attended by 180 companies from the region and Europe.

In terms of the EU’s role, the Minister underlined that it should be an open door for the Western Balkan countries, since North Macedonia and Albania are already in the screening process.

“If we want to have growth, a growth plan that will be implemented within the Western Balkans, we must work together and look beyond our internal economies,” stressed Bekteshi.

The Economy Minister added that North Macedonia is fully committed and supports such initiatives, which unite and leave the past behind, because, he said, “the past creates difficult problems for us.”

“Young people are looking for new opportunities, within the EU, we are a part of the European continent, so why would we not have that prosperity in our countries,” said Bekteshi.

Bekteshi underscored that North Macedonia fully supports CEFTA.

“But, we are looking for more than that because I think the EU has the potential to dedicate more attention not only to words, but also to acts for the people of the Western Balkans,” stressed Bekteshi, adding that the internal issues should be discussed openly.

Photo: Ministry of Economy