Skopje, 21 July 2026 (MIA) - Strengthening trade relations between North Macedonia and India and leading to at least USD 400 million in trade exchange over the next five years was the message of the Macedonian-Indian Business Forum that took place in Skopje on Tuesday, attended by countries' Presidents Gordana Siljanovska Davkova and Droupadi Murmu. 

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova said in her remarks that India has emerged as a driver of the global economy, defined by extraordinary development and adaptability to contemporary challenges, supported by AI and digital transformation.

"Being a European country, our strategic objective is EU membership. The Union recently concluded a free trade agreement with India. We see this as a strong incentice for economic cooperation, for the purpose of strengthening our trade, especially in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, mettalurgy, food production, and digital technologies," said Siljanovska Davkova.

She added that Macedonia is open for multidimensional economic cooperation with India, noting that the current trade exchange is modest, reaching about USD 133 million in 2025. 

"This fails to reflect our excellent political ties and the enormous potential for economic cooperation and I am convinced that we can do a lot more," said Siljanovska Davkova.

The President said that India is one of the global engines of new industries, such as AI and ICT.

"All those who invest in our country have a gateway to Europe for business and trade. Your official visit is a clear signal that India is open for cooperation. Considering that trade is a two-way street, I urge Macedonian companies to find business partners in India, a market of billions and well-educated people. I propose an ambitious but attainable goal: at least USD 400 million in trade exchange over the next five years," concluded Siljanovska Davkova.

Indian President Murum said bilateral economic and trade ties are depicitng a story of what is possible.

"India is already exporting organic chemicals, electrical machines and textile in North Macedonia, high-quality marble that is highky valued on our market. We want to diversify and set an ambitious goal to reduce pollution by the end of this decade through our economic and trade partnership. We offer opportunities for joint investments in these opportunities in several sectors, including AI, phamaceutical industry, health industry, food production, energy and green transition," said Murmu.

She added that India has reshapred its digital public infrastructure, with tools such as Unified Payments Intrerface (UPI) stimulating financial inclusion and ushering millions in the formal economy.

"We are inviting North Macedonia to open the next chapter in this digital revolution, with the support of highly qualified, multilingual and talented workforce. Our pharmaceutical sector wants to invest in North Macedonia by setting up joint production capacities here," said Murmu.

According to her, North Macedonia has a geographic and strategic position that make it an ideal destination for Indian agriculture companies.

"Our business can explore the opportunities in agri-production that can be distributed on the broader European market. India also has innovative solutions in digital transformation. We see opportunities for joint investments in infrastructure and green hydrogen technologies, and we are inviting North Macedonia to join the International Solar Alliance​," said Murmu.

In addition, she invited the country to take part at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in India in 2026.

Photo: President's Office