Skopje, 2 July 2025 (MIA) - Economic cooperation between Macedonia and Italy is at a high level, but its potential has not been sufficiently exploited yet. Companies from both countries should intensify direct contacts and jointly contribute to strengthening long-term business ties, said participants at the Italian-Macedonian business forum in Skopje.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and Italy's Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, opened the forum on Wednesday. 

Mucunski noted that economic diplomacy is a strategic priority of the Government, adding that Italy remains a very important partner, especially in the area of ​​investments.

"The emphasis of the forum is on boosting cooperation in energy transition, infrastructure, technological innovations and digitalization, as well as on the use of financial instruments for internationalization. I believe that in the near future we will see the first practical results in this regard," Mucunski pointed out. 

According to him, the level of trade exchange with Italy was around EUR 685 million last year.

"We expect this trend to continue, with a tendency to further increase," said the Minister.

He expressed expectation that quadrilateral cooperation with Italy, Albania and Bulgaria on Corridor 8 will continue.

In her address, Tripodi focused on economic relations and expressed support for the country's European integration. She also noted that untapped potential remains for cooperation in circular economy, energy transition, infrastructure, connectivity and technological innovations. 

Minister Mucunski and Undersecretary Tripodi are to hold a bilateral meeting after the forum. 

Photo: MIA