Organized by the Regional Chamber based in Bitola and the Rotary Club “Bitola Shirok Sokak”, the 5^th annual Bitola Business Forum took place on 27 April 2026, at the premises of KS Group. The forum focused on opportunities to develop exports and enhance the international economic cooperation of local companies.

The event addressed one of the most important topics for the development of the Pelagonija Region—promoting exports and the internationalization of companies as key drivers of economic prosperity.

Amid dynamic economic changes and increasing global interconnectedness, exports remain one of the most critical factors for the growth and development of both companies and the economy as a whole. For local businesses in the region, entering foreign markets represents a significant opportunity to boost competitiveness, expand operations, and generate new economic value.

The forum brought together representatives from the business sector, public institutions, and diplomatic and consular missions, who discussed ways to increase exports from the Pelagonija Region and the role of economic diplomacy in supporting domestic companies. The region holds substantial potential across several sectors—industry, agriculture, and services. However, unlocking this potential requires strong cooperation among businesses, institutions, and diplomatic and consular representatives, as well as further infrastructure development. The forum therefore aimed to provide a platform for dialogue, exchange of experience, and the creation of new opportunities for economic cooperation.

On behalf of the Regional Chamber based in Bitola, the event was opened by Vice President Olgica Stojchevska, who also serves as General Manager of Swisslion Agropod Resen, one of the region’s largest producers and exporters.

As part of the program, an educational session was held, offering practical guidance on preparing companies to enter foreign markets. Participants emphasized that being export-oriented is no longer a matter of choice; rather, every company must take steps toward entering international markets, as future growth, development, and sustainability depend on it.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives of consular offices in Bitola on the topic: “The Role of Economic Diplomacy and Consular Representations in Supporting Exports and Developing International Economic Cooperation.”

Moderators Natasha Nestorovska and Nikola Dimkovski, MSc, guided panelists through a series of questions related to market potential and export opportunities, conditions for entering foreign markets, the role of consulates and economic diplomacy, and overcoming export barriers.

On behalf of the local government, the Mayor of the Municipality of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, expressed full and continued support for such initiatives and for the Chamber’s activities, stressing that exports are key to the development of Bitola and the wider region.

The discussion highlighted that while the potential clearly exists, success will depend on the collective capacity for cooperation, awareness, and proactivity across society.

Consular representatives are an important partner, but the decisive step ultimately comes from the companies themselves—their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and compete in the global marketplace.

As a Regional Chamber, the organizers emphasized that such events represent an important step toward building new partnerships, creating new business opportunities, and strengthening the region’s economic development.