Skopje, 18 March 2026 (MIA) - Latest macroeconomic achievements and fiscal policies, as well as projections for the coming period, were in the focus of Wednesday's meeting between Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska and International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials led by Mission Chief for the country, Nick Gigineishvili, and IMF Regional Resident Representative, Sebastián Sosa.

"Participants in the meeting highlighted that the Macedonian economy achieved stable growth of 3.5 percent in 2025, with economic activity accelerating throughout the year and growth of 3.8 percent in the last quarter. Growth was supported by domestic demand, especially private and public consumption, as well as the positive contribution of net exports, while investments maintained solid momentum on an annual basis," said the Ministry of Finance. 

As regards price movements, interlocutors pointed out that data for the January - February period show an easing or downward trend in inflation, but the newly emerged situation with the war in the Middle East and oil prices pose a serious challenge for the global economy.

Positive trends, the Finance Ministry notes, are also observed on the labor market, where unemployment is going down and wages are growing.

The Ministry of Finance adds that talks focused on fiscal projections and assumptions over gradual fiscal consolidation, strengthening public finance management and maintaining a high level of capital investments as a driver of economic growth. The budget deficit is projected to drop in the coming period in order to ensure long-term sustainability of public debt. Participants in the meeting pointed out that the external environment and the state's capabilities to respond appropriately with appropriate government measures are continuously monitored and analyzed.

"Maintaining fiscal stability remains our priority, through gradual consolidation and disciplined management of public finances, while supporting economic activity through a strong investment cycle and structural reforms," Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska stressed.

Interlocutors welcomed the commitment to macroeconomic stability and the reform process, highlighting that such policies are key to strengthening trust and long-term economic development, reads the press release. 

"The IMF officials welcomed the consistency in the realization of the budget deficit for 2025 at the planned level of 4 percent, as confirmation that fiscal policies are moving in the right direction," the press release adds. 

Photo: Ministry of Finance