Washington, 16 October 2025 (MIA) – Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska met with World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani, Executive Director Eugene Rhuggenaath, Regional Director for the Western Balkans, Europe, and Central Asia Xiaoqing Yu, and World Bank Country Director Carole Megevand within the framework of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, the Ministry of Finance said.

As stated in the press release, the talks were focused on macroeconomic and fiscal trends, the advancement of current project implementation, and the potential introduction of new financial instruments by the World Bank to support budgetary and structural reforms.

The main focus of the meeting was on the projects currently being implemented in Macedonia, aimed at improving infrastructure, energy efficiency, digitalization, public financial management and human capital development.

“The government remains firmly committed to fiscal discipline, advancing structural reforms, and fostering accelerated economic growth by investing in public infrastructure and human capital,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

According to the press release, the World Bank welcomed Macedonia’s progress and reaffirmed its partnership in implementing the reforms and projects under the new cooperation framework.

“The most recent regular economic report of the World Bank for the Western Balkans also confirms this, noting that Macedonian economic growth is projected to reach 3.1 percent in 2025, an improvement over earlier forecasts. The Bank highlights that Macedonia retains fiscal stability, with a budget deficit under 3 percent and public debt on a downward path, providing room for sustainable growth and a favorable investment environment,” the press release reads.

Economic projections and ways to enhance them through boosting public investment, raising productivity, and supporting export-oriented firms, were also discussed at the meeting. The meeting was attended by the Governor of the National Bank, Trajko Slaveski.

Photo: Ministry of Finance