Growth trend in free economic zones continues – over 1,300 new jobs since beginning of 2022
Skopje, 10 September 2022 (MIA) – Technological-industrial development zones have recorded over 1,300 new jobs in the first eight months of 2022, which shows that growth trend in the number of employees since the beginning of the year continues, according to a regular analysis of the Free Zones Authority.
In August alone, more than 200 new jobs were opened in the free economic zones, with the total number of employees reaching 15,328. This is 8.5 percent more compared to the same month last year, i.e. 16.5 percent more compared to August 2020.
“The positive growth trend since the beginning of the year also continues in terms of exports and imports. As of August, exports have grown and exceeded EUR 2.3 billion, which is the highest level in the last four years compared to the same period. Exports from January to August are 13 percent higher compared to the same period in 2021, i.e. 70 percent higher compared to 2020, and 25 percent and 48 percent higher compared to 2019, or 2018. In August alone, companies achieved exports of almost EUR 300 million, which is 8 percent more than in August last year,” reads the analysis.
“From January to August 2022, imports of EUR 2.1 billion were registered, which is the highest level compared to the same period in the past four years. This is 4 percent more compared to the first eight months of 2021, i.e. 70 percent compared to 2020, and 22 percent and 62 percent more compared to 2019, i.e. 2018. Imports in August reached EUR 283 million, which is 5 percent higher than the same month last year. As of August, the net export is 8.5 percent,” according to the Free Zones Authority.