As part of his visit to Sveti Nikole, the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, also paid a working visit to the International Slavic University, where he met with the President of the Management Board, Prof. Dr. Jordan Gjorgjev, as well as deans and professors from the university.

President Azeski expressed satisfaction with the meeting and noted that the University is of significant importance, as it has successfully operated for a long time in a small municipality. He emphasized that this should serve as an example for other regions in the country in terms of achieving dispersed development beyond a single location, given that almost everything is currently concentrated in the capital.

During the meeting between the academic and business communities, discussions were also held on the new Law on Higher Education, which, according to Azeski, represents an example of how future higher education graduates should be developed to meet business needs. He stressed the importance of finally recognizing that the workforce is needed by factories and industry as the foundation of economic activity in every country. The University itself has introduced new study programs that are not available elsewhere, aligned with current labor market demands and new societal needs, as well as with the green agenda in areas such as waste management, occupational safety and health, and fire protection.

President Azeski called on higher education institutions to follow the example of the development of vocational secondary education, meaning to jointly, in cooperation with the business sector and the Economic Chamber, initiate the creation of study programs that will offer the development of relevant skills and prepare graduates who will be nearly job-ready for companies, institutions, and similar organizations.

The Chamber President invited representatives of the University to initiate discussions and dialogue, noting that Macedonia lacks debate and conversation. At the same time, he pointed out that the current Prime Minister has both the interest and the capacity for dialogue, and that this should be utilized for the creation of measures and activities in the interest of education, the economy, and related fields.

The President of the Management Board of the International Slavic University, Prof. Dr. Jordan Gjorgjev, emphasized that the reform proposed through the draft Law on Higher Education should be accompanied by the development of a strategy defining what kind of higher education graduates are needed in the country. He also stressed the importance of recognizing private universities, which—if acknowledged by the business sector—can remain competitive and relevant in the market.

The essence of the meeting was to, through dialogue between the business and academic communities, identify models for significantly increasing student involvement in practical work during their studies, beyond the current practice, and to explore new ideas and opportunities in the interest of both business and the educational process.

Gjorgjev also proposed that private universities be given the opportunity to participate in drafting the law under which they operate, ensuring respect for the three principles of autonomy, inviolability, and recognition of scientific authority. Additionally, he suggested enabling universities to independently secure funding through their own activities, thereby alleviating the burden on the state budget.

Gjorgjev is also a representative of the Armenian Chamber in Macedonia, and in that capacity, together with business representatives from the region and in the presence of President Azeski, discussions were held on opportunities for opening new markets and strengthening cooperation with that country’s market.

Expressing gratitude to President Azeski for the visit, Gjorgjev presented him, as a token of respect, with a painting from his own collection, which he created as an artist.