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Gjorgji Petrushev on Business Club: The National Export Council Will Support Companies in Education and Export Efforts

13/02/2025

 In the latest episode of the Business Club podcast, the guest of Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber, is Gjorgji Petrushev, General Manager of the country's largest dairy company, Mlekara AD Bitola (Bimilk). Petrushev represents a rare example of a professional who has developed his career in both the public and private sectors.

In the podcast, Petrushev discusses his career progression, which began in the public sector, starting as an independent associate at the Bank Rehabilitation Agency, later becoming a manager at the Macedonian Development Support Bank, and eventually serving as State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Macedonia. He also talks about his decision to transition to the private sector.

His first job in the private sector was with M6 Group, where he was responsible for the advancement and rebranding of Tikveš winery, as well as for transforming production from bulk wine to bottled wine—a product with added value.

According to Petrushev, his work at the Bank Rehabilitation Agency helped him develop as a professional, particularly through his involvement in reducing the state debt by issuing government bonds, which helped stabilize the balance sheet of Stopanska Banka Skopje—at a time when it had not yet been privatized. He cites Slovenia’s example of successfully undergoing a similar process. He highlights Pivara AD Skopje and Tikveš Kavadarci as positive examples of companies with strong financial claims. Pivara AD Skopje was the first case within the Bank Rehabilitation Agency that successfully took full advantage of its benefits and promptly closed its debt. His collaboration with Pivara AD Skopje gave him firsthand insight into how a well-organized and structured company operates.

During his discussion with Azeski, Petrushev emphasizes the importance of public-private sector cooperation for economic development. He notes that the first attempt to bring the public and private sectors together occurred through the formation of the National Entrepreneurship Council, allowing the state to leverage the experience and best practices of the private sector. According to him, this effort continues today with the establishment of the National Export Council, chaired by the ECNM President Branko Azeski. The council brings together the Prime Minister of the RNM, business sector representatives, and government institutions, creating a platform for public-private dialogue. The Council will address export-related challenges, working to remove barriers and obstacles that companies face, not only within the region but globally.

"The National Export Council, which has now begun its work, will provide a forum that does not only discuss policies, procedures, and requirements—it will educate companies and support them in their export efforts. Export is essential for this country. We are such a small economy that we are absolutely not self-sufficient," stated Gjorgji Petrushev.

Later in the podcast, Petrushev discusses Tikveš winery’s breakthrough into regional and global markets, including opening a winery in France. He emphasizes that the recipe for success lies in a more organized and joint market approach by companies, supported by the state and the Chamber, as well as the power of charisma and human interaction. He particularly highlights the example of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who personally led trade delegations to promote German industries and open new markets.

In his discussion with Azeski, Petrushev pointed out that our country lacks a national strategy for supporting domestic brands. He noted that there is a misconception that strong brands can succeed on their own, without state backing.

When asked as person that has worked in public administration whykey economic challenges, which the Chamber constantly brings up—such as: 1) Combating corruption and the gray economy; 2) Accelerating construction of gas infrastructure; and 3) Enhancing investment and export activities to ensure sustained economic growth above 4%—are not being addressed quickly enough, Petrushev explained that decisive action and rapid implementation of the Chamber’s proposals are needed, as the Chamber serves as the voice of the business sector.

As the leading dairy company in the country, Mlekara AD Bitola was awarded the Order of Peace by the Children’s Embassy for All Children of the World for its corporate social responsibility efforts. Founded in 1952, the company serves over 1 million consumers with safe and nutritious dairy products. With a 70-year tradition, it has continuously invested in its raw milk base, modern technology, ESG initiatives, and product innovations.