Skopje, 11 March 2026 (MIA) — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski called for a deeper economic cooperation with Japan, telling a bilateral business forum Wednesday that the two nations must move beyond their already excellent friendship to a partnership producing "concrete results."

Describing the two countries' current relationship as one built on mutual respect and trust, Mucunski noted that the figures, however, do not yet reflect the full potential of the partnership. Annual trade exchange is currently at approximately USD 140 million, he said.

"Friendship alone is not enough," Mucunski said. "Partnerships must also bring concrete results."

In his remarks to Japanese investors, Mucunski highlighted several strategic advantages of the country, including its location, institutional support for foreign investment and innovation, the skilled workforce and ongoing economic reforms.

He said the government was prioritizing a shift toward high-tech industries. As the global economy undergoes rapid transformation, he said, collaboration between Japanese and Macedonian companies could provide new opportunities in "technology, manufacturing, green transition and advanced industries."

"What is most important is not only the investment, but the partnership — a partnership between businesses, between innovators and between two countries that believe in openness, cooperation and mutual prosperity," he said.

The foreign minister also said the government remained committed to further streamlining the investment process and improving the local business climate to support new initiatives.

The Macedonian-Japanese Business Forum, organized by the Embassy of Japan as a platform for establishing long-term business ties, drew more than 150 business leaders and company representatives for a series of networking sessions and direct B2B meetings. mr/