The President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, held a working meeting with Fatih Türkmenoğlu, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) office in N Macedonia. Discussions centered on EBRD’s new five-year strategy for North Macedonia, expected to be adopted in the spring of next year.

The meeting highlighted that the strategy, which defines EBRD’s engagement in N Macedonia, remains focused on three main priorities:

·        Supporting Competitiveness by Enhancing Value Chains, Upskilling the Workforce, and Strengthening Governance;

·        Strengthening Regional Integration, Soft Connectivity and Support EU Approximation;

·        Supporting Green Economy Transition through a More Sustainable Energy Mix and Greater Resource Efficiency.

Azeski emphasized that the Chamber’s strategic directions align with EBRD’s priorities, particularly in the areas of regional integration, boosting export capacities, and implementing the Green Agenda. As key examples of the Chamber’s commitments, he pointed to its active role in the Berlin Process, where the Chamber takes leading positions in regional associations and initiatives such as the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) and the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC). Furthermore, the Chamber’s export-strengthening efforts are being realized through the establishment of institutions like the National Export Council, the Export Institute, and the enhancement of the Exporters' Club within the Chamber.

The meeting also addressed challenges facing the private sector, including issues such as VAT refunds and companies’ preparedness to utilize funds from the announced Hungarian credit line.

To date, EBRD investments in the country amount to approximately 3 billion euros, implemented through 196 projects, with the current portfolio standing at 1.3 billion euros.