“Welcome to Macedonia, a country that offers many opportunities for investment from which domestic companies—as well as the business sector as a whole—can gain multiple benefits through the introduction of new technologies, new knowledge, and greater export potential.”

With these words, the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, greeted the participants of the Macedonian–Serbian Business Forum, organized by the governments of both countries. As he noted, the forum brought together companies with significant capital—something that represents a new heading in business relations. The importance of cooperation between the two countries, he said, is evident in the fact that Serbia is the “engine of the Balkans,” driving new values and initiatives in business, while Macedonia is the transit hub. Together, they form a powerful whole for regional development.

A key point highlighted by the organization of this Forum is that the governments of both countries are the organizers. This demonstrates the political will to follow and support the business sector, which for decades has been developing and supporting itself through mutual cooperation.

Azeski emphasized the necessity of creating policies that would provide GDP growth between 4% and 6% over the next three years at minimum, in order for the economic benefits for the state to become visible. But for economic growth and development, long-standing issues—raised by the Chamber for 15 years—must be resolved:

-       Corruption, which remains at an exceptionally high level;

-       Construction of gas infrastructure, which due to low gas consumption makes gas an expensive energy source and undermines the competitiveness of the Macedonian economy;

-       The need for government support for exports, which he described as the alpha and omega of economic development in an export-oriented country like ours.

For the business community, it is of crucial importance that education policies produce the skilled labor needed by industry. Regional cooperation must continue to grow, with efforts toward removing barriers.

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, thanked the business community as well as the leadership of both countries for their support in strengthening economic cooperation. He reminded that Serbian businesses—from large systems to small companies—already successfully cooperate with Macedonian partners, but that the goal is to encourage new partnerships. With this in mind, a “Guide to Doing Business in North Macedonia” was prepared and presented, containing all key information about the Macedonian market. Čadež noted that there is satisfaction in the fact that the number of joint investments is growing—this being the best proof that together the two sides are strengthening the regional economy. He added that the two economies can jointly act on third markets, particularly in Africa, and that efforts to facilitate trade, streamline procedures, and carry out infrastructure projects must continue.

Strengthening the economic ties between Serbia and North Macedonia, cooperation between companies in all sectors—from agriculture to IT and digitalization—growth in trade toward two billion euros, new investments, and joint presence in third markets are the keys to the future development and success of both economies, as well as of the broader Western Balkan region. This was the central message of the Serbia–North Macedonia Business Forum, which gathered more than 450 participants in Skopje, including businesspeople from almost 250 companies, representatives of both governments, institutions, and business associations.

As part of the forum, more than 150 bilateral meetings were organized between business representatives, where they discussed concrete business issues aimed at improving existing partnerships, creating possibilities for new business relations, and defining the future direction of cooperation.

The Business Forum was also welcomed by Ivan Stoilkovikj, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia and Minister for Inter-Community Relations, and Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Economy.