Washington, 16 April 2026 (MIA) -  As part of the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska participated in a roundtable on the new Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC). 

The center, slated to start operations by January 2027, will join the IMF’s global network of regional capacity development centers and provide support to the six countries of the Western Balkans and Moldova in strengthening institutions, policymaking and implementing reforms in line with European standards, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.

Minister Dimitrieska Kochoska told the roundtable that the establishment of SEETAC is an important step in deepening cooperation with the IMF to promote economic governance across the region.

"The country provides clear and strong support for the launch of this regional center, which will serve as an important instrument in accelerating reforms and strengthening institutions. SEETAC will provide access to high-level expertise and hands-on technical assistance, directly contributing to more effective policies, sound public finances and greater economic resilience. This is a significant investment in both the region's capacities and our EU accession prospects," the Minister said, as cited in the press release. 

The discussion reaffirmed the need to further strengthen institutional capacities, enhance public finance management as prerequisites for sustainable economic growth and faster integration into the European Union.

This commitment, reads the press release, remains strong and steadily growing, particularly in the light of the reforms related to EU accession.

SEETAC will initially focus on broadening fiscal space, improving revenue collection, enhancing public spending efficiency, strengthening monetary and financial policies, as well as advancing statistical and analytical capacities.

The center will provide ongoing support through resident advisors, experts, training, workshops and regional initiatives aimed at more efficient implementation of reforms and strengthened regional cooperation.

Participants in the meeting also highlighted the importance of the partnership between member countries, the IMF and donors, noting that the total budget for the first five years stands at USD 70.4 million.

As part of the Spring Meetings, the Finance Minister participated in the meeting of the Dutch Constituency, which includes North Macedonia and 15 other countries - the Principality of Andorra, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Israel, Luxembourg, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

The meeting, adds the press release, also tackled upon the challenges facing global economy, as well as geopolitical tensions and rising uncertainty. Interlocutors underlined the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, as well as military operations in the Middle East, particularly through both their direct effect on oil and gas prices and the disruption of key trade routes, alongside the measures and policies aimed at addressing these repercussions.

In addition, Dimitrieska Kochoska held meetings with representatives of several international financial institutions and corporations in Washington.

Photo: Ministry of Finance