Kumanovo, 24 January 2024 (MIA) – German retail chain “Lidl” launched preparatory activities for the construction of a logistics and distribution center in the Rechica industrial zone in Kumanovo at an event Wednesday. The investment is worth EUR 80 million and is expected to create more than 150 jobs. Apart from representatives of the company, the event was attended by representatives from the Government, the German ambassador, and representatives from the Municipality of Kumanovo.

“Today’s event is a confirmation of our long-term firm partnership with our German partners and encouragement for our economic policies, which create a favorable and predictable corporate environment for foreign investors that have chosen our country as a stable and secure destination for their investment. I believe that Lidl will write a successful story in our country as well, as is the case in the region,” said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at the event.

According to Kovachevski, the Government’s “Euro-Atlantic oriented policies” have resulted in the largest amount of foreign direct investments of EUR 754 million during a time of crisis in Europe. He added that he expects them to multiply after the country joins the EU.

“We have created favorable conditions for growth in the technological industrial development zones as well, where the number of employees has risen to 18.000, while the average gross wage in the companies, according to the latest data, has exceeded Mden 60.000. The Macedonian market is no longer isolated. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans opens the doors of the single European market for us, and places us on a fast-track to membership into the Union by boosting and strengthening regional cooperation,” said Kovachevski.

He said it is a top priority to “bring Europe home” through joint work and “by being united over the concept for a prosperous European future”.

Deputy Prime Minister Bytyqi said the teams had worked hard to create the conditions for construction of the distribution center and that “Lidl” sees the country as a partner for joint success. He said other investments in the zone would follow.

“Companies such as Lidl provide a positive example and encouragement to the rest, and are creating a culture of corporate motivation and promoting healthy competition. All of this impacts the improvement of productivity, the increase in the number of employees, as well as the economic growth,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Rubriyan Hadzhiev, the head of “Lidl North Macedonia”, said this is the biggest investment in the country.

“Lidl North Macedonia is a part of the international family of Lidl, and here, together with our team, which currently consists of more than 100 employees, we want to implement the experience we have gained in more than 30 countries, with the same standard and quality. We will invest around EUR 80 million just in the construction of the logistics center in order to create a modern and sustainable building, in line with the latest building standards. Lidl is a responsible, secure and fair partner, both for the consumers and for its distributors. The establishment of a long-term and secure cooperation with local producers is a part of our corporate policy,” said Hadzhiev.

The German Ambassador to North Macedonia, Petra Drexler, spoke about the close economic relations between the two countries, noting that a large number of German businesses are present in the country, which, she said, is an indicator of the good relations.  The Ambassador also highlighted the company’s standards for environmental sustainability and renewable sources of energy.

“This investment represents a positive signal for our agricultural and economic cooperation because together we have decided to work on an agricultural sector that will be oriented towards the future and preserve resources and take place within the frameworks of the European integration process, and that’s why it is important not only for the rural areas to be attractive, but also to have good distribution networks and markets for the sale of products,” said the Ambassador.

The Mayor of Kumanovo, Maksim Dimitrievski, said the preparatory activities for the construction of the center mean the development of the Rechica industrial zone, as well as more jobs for people from Kumanovo and the region.

“Lidl North Macedonia” acquired the plot of land from the Municipality of Kumanovo at a public auction in September 2023. The Municipality received EUR 5.3 million from the sale.

Photo: Government of North Macedonia