Skopje, 11 June 2026 (MIA) — Addressing a panel discussion organized by the European Business Association, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski earlier Thursday highlighted the need for sustainable economic growth through infrastructure investments in regional transit routes and improved transport efficiency.

Nikoloski focused on upgrades to the Corridor VIII, Corridor X and the Corridor Xe branch, stressing that these would drive long-term economic development and improve regional connectivity, the Ministry of Transport said in a press release.

Construction on the Corridor VIII and Xe highways is accelerating, Nikoloski said, pointing out the strict deadlines the projects have. He added that the upgraded routes would boost regional development, attract foreign investments and create new jobs.

The transport minister also pointed out that building a high-speed railway along Corridor X would make the domestic economy more competitive. The railway "would contribute to a fast, predictable transport" and "position Macedonia on the main transit route for Central Europe," the release said.

Speaking about regional cooperation, Nikoloski highlighted projects with neighboring countries designed to facilitate transport, support regional integration and stimulate economic growth.

"To deliver on these long-term policies, we are working on major infrastructure projects to build a competitive economy," the transport minister told representatives of the European Business Association member companies. 

He added that the government's goals also included stable business conditions, efficient transport, streamlined border traffic through "green lanes" as well as stronger regional cooperation. mr/