Today, April 25, 2018, USAID’s Partnership for Better Business Regulation Project hosted a forum encouraging investments for a long-term economic development at Aleksandar Palace Hotel, Skopje.

It was the eleventh in a series of events organized by the project to strengthen dialogue between the business community and public institutions on issues relating to regulatory compliance by companies in Macedonia.

Prime Minister of the Government of Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev, USAID Macedonia Country Representative David Atteberry, President of the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce Danela Arsovska and Manager of EPI CENTAR International Ljubomir Dimovski made opening remarks during the first session of the forum.

Addressing the audience, Prime Minister Zaev talked about what is needed to encourage investments in Macedonia, “Firstly, regional economic cooperation, which opens up the prospects for new firms, new enterprises and new jobs, is of paramount importance. Investment is needed in interstate infrastructure, gasification, digitization that will facilitate cooperation between companies, the flow of people and goods. These are serious opportunities for your existing businesses and for new businesses. That is why we do not see this as an obligation to the EU, but as opportunities for economic development and benefits for businesses, employees, and the state, and secondly, respected citizens present, EU and NATO for the Republic of Macedonia and democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedom, but before the EU and NATO, the economy and a better life for all in Macedonia.”

In his remarks, USAID Macedonia Country Representative David Atteberry added: “A robust private sector plays a vital role in a country’s ability to be self-reliant and resilient. For the private sector to flourish, in addition to financial assistance from the government, Macedonia needs a simplified and stable regulatory environment; it needs good governance; and an infusion of investment in its infrastructure.  I’m glad to see that the government is open to constructive dialogue with the chambers of commerce and private sector representatives on these issues.”

The opening session was followed by panel discussions on issues companies face when accessing finance, and latest trends and innovations in the field of investments.

USAID’s Partnership for Better Business Regulation Project is implemented by EPI CENTAR International and its four key sub-partners -- the Economic Chamber of Macedonia; the ICT Chamber of Commerce – MASIT; The Macedonian Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia. Through active participation in the implementation of the project, the chambers are building their capacity to better serve SMEs and advocate for their needs.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This year, USAID is marking its 25th anniversary in Macedonia. The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $610 million in the country since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the modern workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for Macedonia’s citizens. For more information please visit https://www.usaid.gov/macedonia and USAID’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia.