Bitola, 25 March 2024 (MIA) - Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi addressed a Macedonian-Czech Business Forum in Bitola on Monday, which was attended by representatives of the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic as well as representative of the regional Economic Chamber. 

According to Deputy PM Bytyqi, the relations between North Macedonia and the Czech Republic are based on traditional friendship, mutual support and understanding. 

"We are not talking about declarative support and cooperation, but a concrete one in several areas. We should use these dimensions as a solid basis for deepening economic cooperation to further promote trade between the two countries, which is seeing an upward trend, i.e. from EUR 277 million in 2022, to EUR 372 million trade exchange in 2023," Bytyqi said. 

The Deputy PM noted there are several sectors that create opportunities for companies from both countries to recognize their common interest, primarily the energy sector, transport and transport infrastructure, ICT, agriculture and the food industry.

"The possibilities are wide open. North Macedonia offers a stable, stimulating and predictable business environment for starting a business and realizing new investments. Political stability is one argument we offer to foreign investors. We are a full-fledged member of the largest and most powerful security alliance in the world, NATO, and we are committed to becoming a EU member state. These political commitments of ours signal a commitment to democratic principles, which instill confidence in businesspeople," said Bytyqi, adding that the country's strategic position, the proximity to European markets and the infrastructural connection with them, allows to quickly adjust to market changes or shocks.

Bytyqi told the guests from the Czech Republic that North Macedonia has such a location that if they decide to invest, it will speed up their transit from production to their end customers.

The forum in Bitola was held as part of Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela's official visit to the country. Síkela was also briefed on the conditions for business and for the implementation of the National Screening Mechanism. He also received a publicly invitation that the Czech Republic looks into and uses the opportunities that North Macedonia offers to foreign investors for realizing entrepreneurial ambitions. 

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia