Skopje, 3 September 2026 (MIA) - Behind the GDP growth of 4.3 percent lie strong investment activity, double-digit exports growth, growing consumption, and positive movements in several significant economic activities, said Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska at a press conference Thursday, after the State Statistical Office published that the country’s GDP grew by 4.3% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025.

The Minister stressed that with 4.3 percent growth, 2026 Q2 ranks among the quarters with the highest economic growth in the past two and a half years, which, she stressed, “is one more confirmation the economy is moving in a good direction”.

“Even more important is the fact that during all ten consecutive quarters in this period the economy has recorded positive growth, and most of the period the growth rate has been around and over 3 percent. That is the essence of this data, we are not talking about growth in one isolated quarter, but about continued economic growth,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

Dimitrieska-Kochoska stressed that based on available data for the second quarter of 2026, 4.3 percent growth ranks the country fifth among European countries in terms of growth rate.

“At the same time, the growth of the Macedonian economy is significantly higher than the European Union average of 1.2 percent and the Eurozone’s 1 percent. Our rate is among the highest in the region as well. The growth rate of 4.3 percent is higher than Serbia’s 3.8 percent, Bulgaria’s 2.5 percent, and Croatia’s 1.7 percent,” Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

The Finance Minister said historically the Macedonian economy has had higher growth rates during periods when the European economy was stronger, while this quarter’s 4.3 percent growth comes in different conditions – with moderate growth of the European economy, global uncertainty, and geopolitical risks. “This,” she said, “is especially significant for a small and open economy such as ours, which is closely connected to the European market.”

“The Macedonian economy is accelerating despite the challenging external circumstances,” the Finance Minister noted.

Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska underscored that the Government is committed to achieving higher growth rates and better results for the citizens.

“We are investing in capital projects, supporting the private sector and investments, working on creating a better and more predictable business environment, and responsibly managing public finance. The figures today show the economy is growing, economic activity is accelerating, and the policies we are implementing are bearing results. The goal is for this economic growth to be translated into a higher living standard for the citizens, more opportunities for businesses, more investments, and a stronger and more competitive Macedonian economy,” Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

Photo: MIA