Skopje, 6 March 2025 (MIA) – Macedonian companies have been showing interest higher than expected for funds from the line of credit, estimated at EUR 250 million, from the Hungarian loan, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska said Thursday.

“We got information from all banks that demand is much higher than what we are offering. Interest is much higher than these 250 million euros at disposal. I’m very pleased with this fact because when we started having talks with the chambers [of commerce], there was some doubt as to whether Macedonian companies will show enough interest and willingness for investments,” Dimitrieska Kochoska said answering a reporter’s question after signing a cooperation memorandum with the Faculty of Economics in Skopje.

Asked whether a new loan is planned to finance companies, the minister said that the 250 million euros that are now at disposal should be used first before deciding on next moves.

“I’d focus on the 250 million euros now. We’d seek additional financing if we agreed for a second stage,” she added.

The Finance Ministry, Dimitrieska Kochoska said, will transfer almost 11 million euros to the Development Bank today before it disburses the money to the commercial banks, which are tasked with transferring the money to the companies that have been approved to receive funds from the line of credit.

Earlier, The Ministry of Finance said it transferred the first tranche of the Hungarian loan funds to the Development Bank in the amount of EUR 10.4 million as support for domestic companies.

The transfer was realized at the request of the Development Bank for withdrawal of the funds, upon approval of the projects by commercial banks.

EUR 250 million are projected for domestic companies in 2025, aimed to support investments in the private sector and stimulate economic activity.

Photo/video: MIA