Skopje, 11 November 2025 (MIA) – There are clear opportunities to deepen economic ties between the two countries in manufacturing, innovation, services and technology, Christoph Sommer, Switzerland’s Ambassador to North Macedonia, told the media on Tuesday before the start of the business forum “Connecting Switzerland and North Macedonia,” held at the Economic Chamber.

Ambassador Sommer said that relations between Switzerland and North Macedonia are excellent based on trust, partnership and shared values.

“Our cooperation extends across a wide range of fields, from good governance and development to education, innovation and strong interpersonal connections. These strong foundations are an excellent basis for deepening and broadening our partnership. Switzerland greatly values its relationship with North Macedonia, one that holds even greater potential. Our bilateral trade and investment are growing steadily, though still below what both sides can achieve,” Sommer said.

He pointed out that there are clear opportunities to deepen economic ties between the two countries in manufacturing, innovation, services, and technology.

“Strengthening these sectors will not only enhance our economic partnership but also contribute to sustainable growth and job creation in both countries. The current global situation makes this the right moment to act. As supply chains shift and companies seek stable and reliable partners, our two countries offer exactly such opportunities. Switzerland stands ready to support closer cooperation - helping turn potential into concrete partnerships, and ultimately into prosperity for the citizens of both countries,” Ambassador Sommer noted.

Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber, told the media that the forum is being organized to deepen business cooperation between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of North Macedonia. Representatives of companies from both countries are attending and will have the opportunity to discuss possible areas of cooperation.

“We have much to learn and excellent cooperation in this area, particularly in educating our companies to engage with new technological trends. We will now seek to involve the Macedonian community living there as well, and through their forms of organization, raise the level of exchange, which currently stands at around US$200 million. We will continue our efforts to increase exports to that country,” Azeski underlined.

The event aims to promote business exchange, investment, and new partnerships between Swiss and Macedonian companies through the sharing of experiences and ideas for the future of both economies.

Discussions at the forum will address market opportunities and access to the Swiss market, legal frameworks and trade agreements between the two countries, and prospects for investment, technological collaboration, and export growth.

The event is jointly organised by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC), with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Skopje.

Photo: MIA