Hard work, dedication, loyalty to its members and mutual trust—these are the hallmarks of the Economic Chamber, which today celebrates 104 years of existence.

On 14 July 1922, the then Skopje Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established by law, marking the historic beginning and the first official form of chamber organization in the territory of Macedonia.

The Economic Chamber is not merely a witness to the country's economic history—it is also a creator of its future. In an era of global digital transformation and unforeseeable market dynamics, 104 years of continuous chamber activity reaffirm its role as an indispensable pillar of the business community, a partner of state institutions, and a driver of national economic progress.

Over the decades, numerous economic systems have changed and many governments have come and gone. Yet one constant has remained unchanged—the vision of domestic companies for a strong, competitive and export-oriented economy. For 104 years, the Economic Chamber has served as the leading platform through which the real sector articulates its requirements to policymakers. Throughout this entire period, its message has remained the same: sustainable economic growth is possible only through a predictable business environment, the rule of law and strategic dialogue.

During the past two decades, under the leadership of President Branko Azeski, the Chamber has undergone a strategic transformation into the "Chamber of the Future." This strategic commitment has been shaped by business leaders whose proposals, ideas and positions have defined the contours of the Chamber's future development. Among them are younger entrepreneurs, driven by enthusiasm and ready to embrace new challenges and achievements in the interest of the country's business community. They stand alongside experienced business leaders who have left a lasting mark on the Chamber through their knowledge, expertise and broad vision, laying the foundations for modern business representation within a pluralistic chamber system. There are also those who successfully bridge these two generations, combining extensive business experience with continued active engagement in shaping and initiating business initiatives that influence the country's economic landscape.

The ECNM has succeeded in bringing together precisely this community of business leaders, who serve within its governing bodies and committees as a dynamic core actively contributing to the development of economic policy across a broad range of issues.

The Chamber remains a steadfast partner of the state in advancing reforms that promote higher productivity, human capital development and stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Our partnership with state institutions is not a matter of choice—it is an economic imperative. We have demonstrated that the most effective and sustainable reforms are those developed through open and equal dialogue between policymakers and the real sector. Businesses do not seek privileges; they seek predictability, the rule of law and an efficient public administration. Only when the public and private sectors move forward together, guided by a shared vision for digitalization and export growth, can we build a strong and competitive national economy.