Skopje, 20 August 2021 (MIA) — Over the past four years, the average monthly net salary increased for almost Mden 6,000 — significantly more than the Mden 1,700 during 2013–2017 — and the average monthly net salary in June 2021 was seven percent higher than in June 2020, reaching Mden 28,744 [EUR 467], Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said in a Facebook post Friday. Citing State Statistical Office figures, PM Zaev noted the increase was due to rises given to employees in the hospitality industry, the arts and entertainment business, and information technology and communications. He added the average monthly net salary increased Mden 5,936 between 2017 and 2021, which he said was a result of the economic policies the government has been implementing with the aim of increasing the average and the minimum wage. Zaev pointed out the government would remain committed to achieving economic growth rates of 4-5 percent and a 20- to 30-percent rise in salaries toward improving the living standard in the country and its economy. mr/