In an appearance on Bloomberg Adria, the President of the Exporters’ Club at the Economic Chamber, Prof. Dr. Darko Lazarov, emphasized that the export sector is a vital part of the Macedonian economy. Therefore, he stressed the need for collective and intensified efforts to create conditions for improving export competitiveness and increasing the internationalization of domestic companies. He pointed out that Macedonian exports are facing serious challenges this year due to geopolitical developments and increased uncertainty caused by the trade war and the disruption of the global trade system. These developments have had a negative impact on Macedonian exports, which are strongly linked to demand in the EU, particularly Germany’s automotive industry.

Nonetheless, positive trends have been noted in the export of the agri-food sector and other export sectors with higher domestic value added. Lazarov stated that these sectors represent the country’s future opportunities if we want exports to have a greater impact on GDP growth.

To achieve this, he said, much more work is needed to strengthen export readiness and improve the capacities of domestic companies to make them more competitive, as well as to intensify the promotion of Macedonian products abroad to enhance their recognition in foreign markets.

Professor Lazarov noted that the Economic Chamber has, in recent years, built significant institutional capacities through the Exporters’ Club and the Export Institute, which will be used to support domestic export-oriented companies. Additionally, the Chamber, together with the Government, is already discussing the initiation of specific support programs for export-oriented companies within the framework of the National Export Council—established as a public-private partnership platform on export-related issues. The goal is to increase export activity and accelerate economic growth. The Government has identified export and competitiveness as key priorities in its program for building a stronger economy. In this context, expectations are positive that, in the coming period, concrete measures and policies will deliver results that will further accelerate economic growth.

Lazarov emphasized that domestic export companies need greater support in export promotion, including participation in international trade fairs, B2B networking events, and other promotional activities to showcase their products. At the same time, there is a need for programs to develop new Macedonian brands and strengthen the market position of existing ones, both regionally and globally. This would help build a positive perception of Macedonian companies as reliable business partners for foreign clients and enhance the reputation of Macedonian product quality in the eyes of international consumers.

He also underlined the importance of leveraging digital tools to better connect Macedonian companies with potential business and trade partners, to access regulatory and market access information for specific foreign markets, and to use tools that help reduce trade barriers faced by companies when exporting their products.