The Vice President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Dr. Jelisaveta Georgieva-Jovevska, held working meetings with the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Marieta Garcia Jordan, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Modasar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Nader Saad, all based in Sofia.

During the meetings, Vice President Georgieva-Jovevska presented the Chamber's overall operation and function, emphasizing the mutual interest in intensifying cooperation through organizing joint forums, business meetings, and other forms of connecting companies in sectors with potential and interest for collaboration with the respective countries. She highlighted the Chamber’s key areas of focus, including exports (supporting export-oriented companies), infrastructure (developing infrastructure projects of national and regional interest), and investments. Additionally, she noted that a major challenge for companies is the lack of skilled labor, for which the Chamber is actively involved in dual education initiatives alongside companies and the relevant ministry. The Economic Chamber is the voice of the business community, and its priorities include ensuring a foreseeable business environment, a functioning legal system, and meaningful consultation in the legislative process, among others.

North Macedonia, as a small and open economy, has significant potential for collaboration. In addition to improving infrastructure, increasing support for exports and investments, regional cooperation and integration are crucial, particularly through the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) initiative involving the six Western Balkan economies. WB6 CIF, which integrates the chambers of commerce from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro, offers an excellent opportunity to deepen cooperation and protect the interests of over 300,000 companies. Its mission is to connect the regional business community, enhance competitiveness, eliminate barriers faced by companies, and improve the economies of the region.

Our country currently has low trade volume with Cuba, though there is potential to expand cooperation in sectors such as medicine, education, tourism, and culture. Ambassador Garcia Jordan highlighted Cuba’s expertise in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, and the potential for exchange of experience and services in these areas.

Pakistan is RNM’s 66^th trading partner for the January-July 2024 period, with very low levels of trade. There are opportunities to better utilize the potential of both countries and improve the structure of trade exchanges.

Egypt ranks as RNM’s 50^th trading partner for the first half of 2024, showing growth in trade in areas such as agriculture, food, and textiles. This trend should be further deepened and improved, especially in sectors like energy, mineral resources, and tourism.

With all the countries represented at the meetings, it was emphasized that there are opportunities for greater mutual cooperation. Regional integration and connecting businesses with these countries could be an efficient way to achieve better results in the medium term.