Skopje, 5 July 2023 (MIA) - Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi paid a visit Wednesday to the national capacities for production of military equipment and armament at the "ATS Group" plant, formerly known as Suvenir-Samokov.

Minister Petrovska and Deputy PM Bytyqi shared the option for domestic companies to take part at NATO procurement procedures, in which the Ministry of Defense center can provide support, the Government said in a press release.

"This is one of the big benefits for our companies and the economy in general resulting from the country's NATO accession. This is a big market with enormous potential," said Bytyqi.

"We are living in a time when relying on the global supply chains of critical materials and services is becoming a risk. Production of defense goods and services in our country is of exceptional significance for the security of North Macedonia but also for NATO's collective security," said Petrovska.

The visit aimed to see the possibilities for enhancement of the cooperation between the state and the military industry, namely businesses that manufacture and distribute defense-related goods in North Macedonia, as well as their support.

ATS Group has 550 employees, of whom 350 are working in the ammunition production plant.

Photo: Government