Skopje, 6 October 2021 (MIA) – A strong and prosperous Western Balkans is a necessary contribution to the European economy and without a doubt, Western Balkans’ full integration into the European Union should be a natural outcome of the reform process in the region, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told the first plenary session at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, dedicated to social and economic issues, in cooperation with the countries in the region with the EU. The government’s activities aimed at economic development, said Zaev, take place in parallel with measures providing social security and social justice, producing positive results in reducing poverty and improving social inclusion. “Through dialogue and inclusive platforms, our partners for social dialogue have helped us enrich measures that have proven socially just,” said Zaev as cited by the government’s press service. The COVID-19 pandemic, he added, have further strengthened the ambition for regional integration highlighting the key ties between markets in the region and the economies of the EU and the Western Balkans. During these challenging times, the region cooperated providing uninterrupted flow of goods throughout the crisis. “As a result of the Berlin Process’s leading principles, we are fully committed to an inclusive regional cooperation to become equal participants in policies, programs and the EU’s single market, alignment with EU rules and standards and expansion of the opportunities for the citizens and business communities,” said PM Zaev. The Republic of North Macedonia, he stated, welcomes the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and considers it a crucial initiative that demonstrates solidarity and care for the region, strengthening of economic activity and enhancement of its competitiveness. “Implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the Common Regional Market Action Plan will transform the region, providing green and more digitized economies as well as better networking with the EU’s single market, aimed at economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis by accelerating economic growth,” concluded PM Zaev.