Skopje, 4 November 2025 (MIA) - The Government reaffirms its commitment to promoting e-trade as the generator of economy through implementation of a clear strategy for digital transformation, enhancement of interoperability and reducing red tape for citizens and businesses, said Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski at the opening of the 8th Regional E-Commerce Conference in Skopje on Tuesday.

Minister Andonovski said e-trade is no longer an alternative but a dominant economic model that requires strong support from the state, in the form of digital platforms, regulatory predictability and market-oriented innovations.

"The interoperability we have provided for free to more than 76 institutions and companies - including more than 2.6 million secure transactions per month and a 260-percent growth - is not only a success for the administration but an opportunity for the private sector as well. It opens the room for digital services, safe data exchange, swift access to the required administrative data and new business models that link the state with the companies in a common digital ecosystem," said Andonovski.

Regarding the support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Ministry of Digital Transformation, through the European Digital Innovation Hub Innofeit Edih, provides companies with access to laboratories, digital tools and expert support for testing of new technologies prior to investments.

"This hub also offers training for digital skills in the field of AI, cybersecurity, automation and internet of things, in order to increase competitiveness of domestic companies on the European market. Moreover, the national AI center 'Vezilka' is developing AI solutions that are applicable in the private sector, thus creating conditions for e-trade to become more efficient, smarter and safer," said Andonovski.

According to him, less red tape and making data available for the business community are key for a modern state.

"The Government creates an infrastructure with innovation in its core, while citizens and businesses are the real beneficiaries of the digital transformation. In the coming period, the Government will continue to invest in digital transformation, enhancement of the innovation ecosystem, and programmes for support of startups and entrepreneurs in digital economy," said Andonovski.

Nina Angelovska Stankov, President of the Macedonian E-Commerce Association, said ahead of the conference opening that the level of the region's digital maturity is still low and more efforts are needed to accelerate it.

"On average, 27 percent of companies in the Western Balkans sell online but see imbalanced development. Only 19 percent of companies in Macedonia sell online. In addition, only two percent of companies in the Western Balkans and one percent in Macedonia use AI tools in order to improve their operations and productivity in e-trade," said Angelovska Stankov.

Photo: MIA