Skopje, 22 April 2026 (MIA) - There is great commitment in both the Macedonian and the British Government regarding the strategic partnership agreement, which will enable the realization of key infrastructure projects, as well as trust between business communities. The close economic ties are accompanied with growth in overall trade, as well as British investments in North Macedonia, said speakers at an event Wednesday marking the third anniversary of the establishment of the British Business Association (BBA) in the country. 

Finance Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said the U.K. is one of the country’s most important economic partners, highlighting British investments as an especially important segment and a strong sign of trust in the Macedonian economy. Dimitrieska-Kochoska said the BBA has grown into an important platform for the enhancement of Macedonian-British economic ties; a strong voice of the British business community in the country; as well as an important partner of the institutions in the creation of a better and more competitive business environment.

In 2025, total trade reached EUR 1.57 billion, an increase of 18.9 percent compared to the previous year. According to the Finance Minister, even more encouraging is the fact that in just the first two months of 2026 total trade stood at EUR 374 million, which is an increase of 43.4 percent on an annual basis.

“These figures clearly show that the economic cooperation between the two countries is not only stable but is also gaining new intensity. Macedonian exports on the British market reached EUR 116 million in 2025, an increase of 14.3 percent, while in the first two months of this year we’ve recorded further growth of 1.9 percent. This is a significant indicator that Macedonian companies are gradually increasing their presence in one of the most competitive European markets,” Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.

Imports from the U.K. in 2025 amounted to EUR 1.46 billion, marking a 19.3 percent increase. In the first two months of 2026, that growth has been even more pronounced. This, according to the Minister, reflects the strong economic momentum and trust that exists between the two business communities

Between 2014 and 2025, the cumulative inflow of foreign direct investment from the U.K. reached EUR 250.1 million, accounting for 4.5 percent of total foreign investment in the country. The highest inflow was recorded in 2024, when British investments amounted to EUR 221.3 million, a strong signal, according to the minister, of the confidence British investors have in the Macedonian economy. 

Dimitrieska-Kochoska noted the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries, as well as the Government-to-Government arrangement, have elevated cooperation to a new, higher level.  

“These frameworks send a strong message about the long-term commitment of the United Kingdom to further strengthening of political, economic, and trade ties between our two countries. The British Business Association plays a significant role in this process. It is an important bridge between institutions and the private sector, between British companies and the Macedonian economy, but also between ideas and their realization,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said, expressing her belief that in the years to come the country will have an even closer cooperation with the United Kingdom.

British Ambassador Matthew Lawson stressed the establishment of the BBA coincided with a period of significant milestones in the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and North Macedonia. He noted that its founding followed the commemoration of 30 years of diplomatic relations and was recently reinforced with the signing of the strategic partnership between the U.K. and North Macedonia, as well as the agreement between the two governments, elevating cooperation to a new level. 

"The intergovernmental agreement, to which both our governments are strongly committed, will support critical infrastructure projects in the transport, energy, healthcare, and technology sectors as part of the £5 billion financial support framework provided by the UK Export Finance Department. These frameworks send a powerful signal of the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to deepening political, economic, and trade ties between our two countries. That commitment is clearly reflected in the strength of our economic relations," Ambassador Lawson said.

The Ambassador added that North Macedonia is currently the United Kingdom’s largest trade and investment partner in the Western Balkans, with total bilateral trade of almost £1.6 billion in 2026. 

Borijan Borozanov, representative of the British Business Association and Manufacturing Director Europe at Johnson Matthey said the goal for which the BBA was established is now reality – to bring businesses together, to encourage cooperation, and to create new opportunities.

“Our ambition is for the Association to become a platform where cooperation will become a driver of growth. A place where ideas become initiatives, initiatives become partnerships, and partnerships create real economic influence. Significant opportunities lie ahead of us in sustainability, innovations, digital transformation, and talent development. But the BBA’s greatest strength is not in its structure, but in the people. In the leaders who are ready to cooperate, in companies that think long-term, and in the community that believes we can do more together,” Borozanov said.

Photo: MIA