Skopje, 18 August 2021 (MIA) – The South Korean company Almac and the American company Dura Automotive Systems marked Wednesday the start of their joint investment in North Macedonia at the free economic zone TIRZ 2 in Skopje. Nearly EUR 30 million will be invested in the construction of a state-of-the-art plant for production and assembly of components for the automotive industry. It will cover an area of 80,000 square meters. The plant, which is expected to start operations next year, will open over 70 jobs. Salary will amount to EUR 2,000 for highly qualified staff members. The investment is yet another confirmation of the good economic policies we’ve creating, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. “We’ve been creating a predictable business climate for investments, export of goods, well-paid jobs, which stimulates economic growth. The government is committed to helping establish well-paid jobs. It is expected average salary to amount to EUR 2,000,” Zaev said addressing the groundbreaking ceremony. The new investors have decided to invest in North Macedonia due to the stable business climate, workforce, infrastructure and the government’s support offered to foreign investors, they said. CEO Junpao Park said the joint company has decided to build its first plant in Skopje after a lot of research in many countries. Expected to be completed in 12 months, the plant will feature a modern design on an area of 80,000 square meters, he said. The South Korean company, said its founder Soyun Park, will use green energy during the production process and will fully recycle residue from the process. According to him, the new partnership symbolizes not only business, but also a merge of two cultures and an opportunity for creating a better world. Since the start of the year, the overall scope of investments in North Macedonia, in early stages or nearing preparation, is more than EUR 120 million, which is expected to open over 2,000 jobs and generate exports of over 2 billion euros.