Skopje, 29 September 2021 (MIA) – I encourage you to take risks and activities to realize your ideas and potential for new businesses and governments will support you, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told the conference “Western Balkans: One Region One Market - A Step towards Common Market of the EU” via video link on Wednesday. Representatives of governments, NGOs and the business community discussed at the conference held in Novi Sad and organized by the European Affairs Fund of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Regional Youth Leadership Forum, regional initiatives as part of the EU enlargement policy in the Western Balkans, focusing on the advantages of the latest initiative entitled ‘Open Balkan’ and creating a common market in the region. “Governments cooperate and listen to the needs of citizens, representatives of the business sector and chambers. Guided by that goal, together with Serbian and Albanian leaders we’ve taken steps and initiatives to facilitate cooperation and overcome barriers in order to create a common market and promote economic cooperation,” Zaev said. He underlined that the Berlin Process has established a framework and defined activities in all areas of EU’s so-called Four Freedoms, backed by the digital, investment, innovation and industrial pillars. According to the Prime Minister, the Western Balkan region has secured solid ground for further economic development, as well as social and cultural cooperation. “Next, we have to promote regional trade exchange of goods and services, movement of people, capital and knowledge, which will entail removing all barriers to freedom of movement. After that, we must enhance the process of digitalization in all countries by strengthening digital skills, digital infrastructure and digital security. Finally, we’ll improve economic competitive in the region, while also promoting ‘green development’ and transition through various activities,” Zaev added. The Prime Minister also underlined in his address the importance of youth entrepreneurship, regional cooperation and economic development, stressing that governments’ efforts are focused on providing a successful future for young people, improving living conditions and resolving issues that often force young people to move away. “Entrepreneurship is a ‘business’, but it’s also more than that – it’s a quality some people have. So, I encourage you to take risks and activities to realize your ideas and the governments in the region will help you by creating a favorable business environment,” Zaev stressed. PM Zaev concluded that successful regional cooperation provides key support for all citizens, adding that the Berlin Process was established for Western Balkan countries. and that cooperation between them can contribute to quicker realization of EU integration processes and promote collaboration with EU member states.