Skopje, 27 February 2024 (MIA) - Transporters holding a Ministry of Transport and Communications-issued professional driver certificate can get a passport through fast-track procedure, at the regular price, after the Government adopted the decision at Tuesday's session.

Minister Blagoj Bochvarski told MIA the Government has tasked the Ministry of Interior to proceed upon the list provided by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, including 120 professional drivers.

"The Government is finding solutions for fast-track issuance of passports, considering that around 90 percent of cargo transport in the country takes place on the road. The national economy is much dependent on the transport sector and we wouldn't like to see it suffer because of the current situation regarding the passport issuance process. The Government has acted upon the transport associations' request and I expect all procedures to be completed in the next ten days," said Bochvarski.

He added that the Ministry would be in regular contact with the transport associations on a possible extension of the list.

About 16,000 people in North Macedonia hold a professional driver certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Photo: MIA