Governor of the National Bank of the RNM, Prof. Dr. Trajko Slaveski, held his first working meeting with business representatives since his appointment, at the Economic Chamber, before the Chamber’s leadership, governing bodies, and under the chairmanship of President Branko Azeski.

At the meeting, President Azeski, in his role as host, raised a number of issues within the competence of the National Bank—particularly in its role of maintaining price stability and exchange rate stability—while also emphasizing the Bank’s responsibility in safeguarding the country’s economic development. He noted that key concerns for the business community remain the fight against corruption, complex banking procedures for both citizens and companies, and the lack of transparency in the areas of state aid to foreign investors, commodity reserves, and foreign currency reserves.

In his address, Governor Slaveski stated that the current level of foreign currency reserves stands at between €4.6 and €4.7 billion—a comfortable position for the country. These reserves cover about 4.5 months of imports, exceeding the globally recommended standard of 3 to 3.5 months.

During the working meeting, the Governor emphasized the need to strive for low inflation rates, and that in the medium term, the competent institutions should act to maintain inflation levels in line with those in the eurozone.

Governor Slaveski also informed attendees that the National Bank Council’s decision to introduce a new and simplified fee structure for the use of the Macedonian Interbank Payment System (MIPS) will come into force on 1 August. This change will lead to lower costs for electronic payments for both citizens and businesses. With this move, the National Bank once again sends a clear message of support for the broader economic benefits of accessible and efficient payment services. It was underlined during the discussion that a stable and competitive banking sector is crucial for supporting the economy, and the National Bank remains open to dialogue with the business community in order to foster a better economic climate and access to quality financial services.

About Prof. Dr. Trajko Slaveski

Professor Slaveski is one of the few Macedonian economists who completed part of their academic training in the USA—specifically at the prestigious Harvard University in 1989/90—where he studied the basic principles of market economy at a time when Macedonia was still under the previous economic system. This places him among the rare economists who played a major role in transferring that academic experience and knowledge to Macedonia during its economic transition in the 1990s.

He is also one of the few Macedonian scholars to have published a scientific paper indexed with an impact factor over 30 years ago. He introduced modern macroeconomics into the higher education system in Macedonia and was the creator of a new academic program on state regulation, addressing the relationship between the state and business. He is the author and co-author of numerous books, academic and professional papers, and articles published both in the country and abroad, and has participated in numerous international academic conferences and symposia.

In 1997, he was a visiting professor at Arizona State University and also lectured in the postgraduate program at the National University of Athens, Greece.

By holding this working meeting at the Chamber, an established practice was reaffirmed: that every newly appointed Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia makes their first official appearance at the headquarters of the ECNM, on Dimitrija Chupovski Street.