As part of the visit of the Croatian Prime Minister to Macedonia, the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, presented the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia Award for Individuals Who Have Contributed the Most to Regional Business Integration to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

The award recognizes their outstanding contribution to supporting regional economic cooperation and business integration. During the presentation ceremony, held as part of a meeting between the business communities of the two countries, President Azeski emphasized that through this award the business community expresses its gratitude to both prime ministers for their continuous commitment and dedication to strengthening economic cooperation, increasing trade, and creating new opportunities for the business community.

As the leader of a European Union member state, Plenković, through his experience and active engagement, provides significant support to the EU integration processes of the Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, by sharing knowledge, practices, and standards that contribute to faster alignment with EU legislation and business culture. His commitment to strengthening economic ties between the two countries was further demonstrated by Croatia’s recent decision to approve the issuance of long-term visas for professional drivers, helping to address residency-related challenges within the Schengen Area.

According to Azeski, Prof. Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, through his commitment to economic reforms, improving the investment climate, and strengthening regional economic ties, has been actively working to position the Republic of North Macedonia as a reliable partner and an attractive investment destination. His efforts to enhance infrastructure connectivity, advance digital transformation, and support the private sector are creating the foundation for sustainable economic growth and greater competitiveness.

Addressing the joint business event held in Ohrid before business representatives from Croatia and Macedonia, Azeski stated: “A person certainly does not work in order to receive recognition, but it can be said that no one remains indifferent when others express respect for their work. Recognition comes unexpectedly and in different forms, but it is most often suggested by friends and associates who understand its significance. Particularly meaningful are recognitions that come from abroad, especially from business associations. In this way, acknowledgment is given for long-term efforts to improve cooperation among countries. At the same time, it represents both recognition and a great responsibility to redouble the efforts invested so far so that the state and society can continue to move forward.”

Explaining why the largest and most representative business community in the country chose these two leaders for such a gesture of respect, Azeski noted: “Their political careers have, for decades, been strongly focused on business, the economy, and especially regional cooperation. I have known Mr. Plenković since the Mostar Fair, and Mr. Mickoski since the time when he worked at the Electricity Utility of Macedonia, and he has always advocated for business development and economic cooperation. This year our Chamber celebrates its 104^th anniversary and is a member of all major global chamber associations.”

The business meeting between the two countries, attended by the prime ministers and economy ministers of both governments, also brought together the leaders of companies including Alkaloid AD Skopje, Vitaminka AD Prilep, IGM Trade Kavadarci, Makprogress Vinica, Kozuvcanka Kavadarci, Tikveš AD Kavadarci, and MEPSO AD Skopje, which presented their interest in expanding cooperation and establishing new business partnerships.

A bilateral event of this kind provides a foundation for working jointly, through a vision based on cooperation, integration, and shared European values, toward the creation of a more integrated region—one in which economies are interconnected and businesses enjoy greater opportunities for development, growth, and internationalization.