Skopje, 10 December 2021 (MIA) - The Business Confederation of Macedonia has been working in a responsible, dedicated, ethical way, following principles for the past 20 years, and I find that commendable. I hope our cooperation and constantly open dialogue will continue, and that we will work as partners to benefit the business and workers, because good economic parameters reflect positively on the whole society and reach every person, said Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi at an event Friday celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Business Confederation (BCM).

He said that the conditions for running a business are probably the most important ones for an investor, business owner, entrepreneur etc. and he said it’s what the government puts efforts into.

“Political and economic stability and predictability, effective and quick procedures, measures that stimulate technological development and innovation in the way the companies work, quality, better paid workspaces. To achieve all of these things, we need trusted partners such as the BCM which correctly and professionally articulates the companies’ demands, thoroughly suggesting solutions to solve all problems to overcome every challenge in order to create a supportive, encouraging business surrounding that will bring growth and development to our companies,” Bytyqi stated.

He pointed out that it’s important for companies to know they have a partner during this challenging time.

“Through stimulating the investments on the Western Balkans market, we will create a resistant, stable regional market. Such a refocus will accelerate our new development economy through restructuring the local economy which is meant to base off production with added value, which will signify GDP increase, an increase in export and the number of employees, and of course, the living standard for our citizens,” Bytyqi concluded.

Julian Vassallo, Deputy Head of EU Delegation to North Macedonia, pointed out that the BCM marks this anniversary during a pandemic, which puts added pressure on the development of business.

“The crisis has shown the vulnerability of the global value chains which affect companies. As a response to the crisis, the government brought four measure packages for support. The government’s fiscal programs significantly mitigated the blow the crisis dealt to the businesses, limiting a more serious recession. A post-pandemic recovery will depend on the reaction, the government’s responses in regards to the challenges, which includes the implementation of the packages to support the economy and the investment plan for the employees from the Western Balkans. In the upcoming period, in order to secure a long-term inclusive growth, there needs to be a focus on improving human capital, services and trade, transport and logistics,” Vassallo said.

The coordinator of the International Labor Organization for North Macedonia, Emil Krstanovski, said that business models change quickly and radically nowadays, creating a need for more innovativeness, adaptability and flexibility in policy creators, companies, as well as employer organizations.

“We’re identifying five global trends which mark the way in which business operates today, and they are: tech innovations, global economic integration, demographic and generational changes, climate change and sustainability, and the lack of trained work force. These trends affect business regardless of its size, sector or location. These trends are a great opportunity for employer organizations to strengthen the business’s collective power. Companies expect employer organizations to work with policy creators in shaping new forms and regulations which will create an economy and a society ready for the future,” Krstanovski emphasized. dk/ba/