Skopje, 17 November 2023 (MIA) – Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi visited on Friday ‘Labaratorium,’ a company within the creative industry, which has a space in the city center designed to foster a culture of innovation and creativity.

While touring the facilities of 'Labaratorium,' Deputy PM Bytyqi was briefed by the owners, Dejan Milevski and Vladimir Mitreski, on the business model focused on innovation and the advancement of creativity and cultural expression, the government said in a press release.

They jointly assessed that the development of creative industries, with their capacity to generate new ideas, products, and services, is instrumental in shaping a culture of innovation. This becomes increasingly important for the regional and global competitiveness of North Macedonia's economy, reads the press release.

Deputy Prime Minister Bytyqi voiced his satisfaction with the provision of space that empower the youth, enabling them to channel their creativity into an industry that is experiencing global growth and will contribute to the creation of additional economic value within North Macedonia.

Deputy PM Bytyqi added that, for the first time since the country's independence, cultural and creative industries are encompassed within a coherent strategic framework of cultural and economic policies in the National Culture Development Strategy (2023-2027). This strategy is currently in its final stages of development, where these industries are outlined as one of the three priority areas.

“This represents a systematic move towards their comprehension, viewed not only through the lens of creative and artistic value but also considering the economic impact they can have on society,” Bytyqi added.

Bytyqi noted that the government is advancing the economic gains of creativity through the implementation of the National Development Strategy.

“The National Development Strategy, laying out a twenty-year vision for the country's development, envisions North Macedonia transforming into a nation with a developed, green, innovative, and efficient economy over the next two decades. The strategy includes fostering a motivated and skilled workforce, ensuring continuous progress and sustainable competitiveness, while remaining adaptable to global trends,” Bytyqi said at the meeting with 'Labaratorium’ management team.

Photo: Government