On 27 May 2026, a working meeting titled “Invest in Your Future – From Idea to Realization” was held at the Officers’ Hall in Bitola. The event was organized by the Municipality of Bitola and the Public Enterprise Industrial Zone “Zhabeni,” with the support of the Regional Chamber based in Bitola. Representatives of the Government, local self-government, businesses, and regional institutions attended the event.

The President of the Regional Chamber based in Bitola, Mirko Velkovski, addressed the needs of domestic investors and the challenges facing the business community in the Pelagonija region, while the Director of the Zhabeni Industrial Zone, Vlado Talevski, presented the zone’s development potential and the opportunities it offers for new investments. The forum was also attended by a delegation from the Florina Chamber of Commerce, Greece, led by its newly elected President, Valina Roza. She greeted the participants and expressed her appreciation for the invitation to her first official visit to Bitola.

On the sidelines of the event, discussions continued with the Greek partners on further strengthening cross-border cooperation, particularly in the areas of the green transition, energy infrastructure, and the improvement of road and railway connectivity between the two neighboring regions.

In his address, the Mayor of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, emphasized that the Government and the Municipality of Bitola are continuously working to create favorable conditions for investment and economic development through the implementation of significant infrastructure and development projects that serve both citizens and businesses. One of the most important projects for the Pelagonija region highlighted during the event was the construction of the Prilep–Bitola motorway section, as well as the modernization of the road infrastructure leading to the Medjitlija border crossing. Special emphasis was also placed on the reconstructed railway line connecting the Zhabeni Industrial Zone with the border with Greece. It was noted that efforts are being made to complete the railway connection on the Greek side as well. This would provide Bitola with a direct rail link to the Port of Thessaloniki, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of the region.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski spoke about foreign investment and the Government’s support measures for both domestic and foreign investors, presenting the Ministry’s current programs aimed at the business sector. He assessed the Zhabeni Industrial Zone as a successful example and a source of pride not only for Bitola but for the entire country. Deputy Minister of Finance Nikolche Jankulovski emphasized that financial stability and investment are key drivers of regional economic development. He pointed out that numerous projects are being implemented through the Government’s two calls for municipal support, already delivering visible results and contributing to the strengthening of both the local and national economy.