The President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, together with the President of the Association of Construction, Building Materials and Non-Metal Industries, Andrea Serafimovski, held a working meeting with the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski.

The meeting focused on advancing cooperation between the Ministry and the Chamber, with particular emphasis on ongoing activities in the areas of local economic development and infrastructure investments, which represent opportunities for improving business conditions for companies at the local level.

It was emphasized that strong and functional municipalities are among the key prerequisites for a competitive economy, attracting investment, and ensuring balanced regional development.

The discussions addressed several important topics related to the decentralization process, identifying ways for the joint utilization of available funds, and opportunities for deepening cooperation between the Chamber, municipalities, and planning regions.

In the context of decentralization, President Azeski opened a discussion on municipal competencies, noting that it would be beneficial to establish a body composed of municipal representatives that could provide professional staff and work jointly with the Chamber on project activities, while also intensifying cooperation with businesses across the planning regions.

Local self-government is an important partner in creating a favorable and predictable environment for private sector development, particularly through the efficient exercise of its competencies, the provision of higher-quality services, and the creation of better conditions for business operations and growth, Minister Perinski stated.

Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of local services, with participants agreeing that the digital transformation of municipalities represents direct support for the private sector. In this regard, it was noted that every shortened deadline, simplified procedure, and electronic service contributes to more efficient institutions and a better business climate for companies.

The meeting also addressed activities related to updating taxpayer databases, highlighting the importance of establishing a fair and transparent system, improving the collection of local revenues, and directing those revenues toward services and infrastructure that directly benefit citizens and businesses.

With regard to balanced regional development, the participants also discussed the involvement of the business community in local and regional planning and policymaking processes. It was emphasized that the business community is involved from the very stage of drafting development policies through its representative in the Councils for the Development of Planning Regions, enabling its active participation in defining regional priorities and development directions.

The participants jointly concluded that the Ministry of Local Self-Government should continue supporting initiatives that contribute to more efficient municipalities and better services for citizens and businesses.