Skopje, 26 June 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Economy and Labour Besar Durmishi said Thursday the 2025 Operational Employment Plan has been a key project of the Ministry in the past year. Speaking at a conference on his first year in office, Durmishi noted that the plan is a key tool and strategic document in the fight against unemployment, with a record budget of almost EUR 40 million. 

According to him, the 2025 Operational Employment Plan targets over 16,000 citizens, and 6,026 applications have been submitted so far through four public calls. 

The plan includes a series of specific measures for training, skills acquisition, and grants for businesses that will help different categories of citizens - young people under the age of 29 and people from vulnerable groups - to become (self-)employed and economically independent.

Durmishi also mentioned measures to support companies and cushion citizens against inflationary pressures, noting that a measure was adopted to gradually reduce margins for 102 product groups, i.e. over a thousand items.

"The inflation rate was reduced by 1.3 percent, and food prices by 3 percent in March 2025 alone. We also achieved a reduction in prices and real savings for families, through other measures that gave results," said Durmishi, adding that the Ministry constantly monitors data from relevant institutions and conducts analyses to protect citizens against price shocks or disruption in trade flows.

He also noted the increase in the minimum wage implemented in March - from Mden 22,567 to Mden 24,379, i.e. an increase of about 8 percent

Weighing in on his first year in office, he said he was proud that the Ministry had issued a license to the "Kiel" company for a new production facility in the Tetovo free economic zone.

"Four new investments are underway in this zone with the aim of creating new jobs, which will stimulate the local economy and increase regional competitiveness," Durmishi stressed.  

Among other things, he also pointed out that a budget of Mden 45 million has been earmarked for public calls to support artisans, digitalization, industry competitiveness, standardization of ISO and Halal standards, accreditation of laboratories, as well as support for NGOs that protect consumers.

"This has been a year of challenges, and even more so a year of hard work, dedication and true focus on citizens. Our policies have one common thread – improving the quality of life, strengthening the labour market and ensuring economic growth and stability," said the Minister of Economy and Labour. 

Photo: print screen / Government YouTube channel