Skopje, 8 July 2023 (MIA) – Interest for the popular bond is on the rise and we expect over 60 percent of the projected amount of EUR 10 million to be acquired by the week-end, says Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi in an interview with MIA.

The auction is scheduled for July 13, and Minister Besimi says it is a transparent, simple and risk-free financial investment that offers series of benefits for the citizens.

“The first emission is expected next week and we offer favorable conditions – five percent interest rate and a two-year maturity period. This means that citizens who decide to invest in this bond will enjoy several benefits. First of all, this is risk-free investment. Secondly, citizens will get about five percent interest on the deposit. A single bond issued at the auction is worth Mden 10,000 and if someone decides to invest, let’s say, Mden 100,000, the proceeds by way of interest will amount to Mden 5,000 on July 20 next year and another Mden 5,000 the next year,” says Minister Besimi.

The FinMin says he intends to buy a bond as well, but is waiting for an official response from the Securities Commission on a possible conflict of interests, although personally not considering there is grounds for this.

“I think there is no conflict of interests because the procedure is transparent, carried out at a public auction, the instrument is offered under the same conditions for all citizens, and the quantities are not limited. By law, conflict of interests exists if a certain public office is used for personal gain. In the specific case, there is no favoring or gain for the issuing authority. Nevertheless, we expect an official response from the Commission, since this is a matter that concerns all appointed and elected officials,” says Besimi and adds that he will inform the public if he were to purchase a bond. ik/

Photo: MIA