In the second season of the Business Club podcast, Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, sat down with Mihajlo Borozanov, MBA, Director of Finance Directorate and Member of the Management Board at Makpetrol AD Skopje. The conversation focused on the business conditions shaping the development of the Macedonian economy and the role of Makpetrol — a company with over 80 years of existence — as one of the cornerstones of the Macedonian economy.

During the discussion, Borozanov stated that Makpetrol AD is a regional leader in the energy sector, operating on a solid business foundation, employing more than 2,000 people, managing 127 retail outlets, and generating an annual turnover of €500–600 million, despite operating on low margins. The company’s focus, he emphasized, remains on maintaining high product and service quality through strict adherence to established standards.

Borozanov holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in finance, from the University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy, risk management, and digitalization, he has successfully carried out his responsibilities as Finance Director and Board Member at Makpetrol AD Skopje. According to him, financial strategy, digital transformation, and modern corporate governance — including risk management — form the foundation for building a sustainable and globally competitive economy.

When asked about the current business climate — which remains insufficiently favorable for generating higher profits, boosting exports, and adding greater value to products and services — Borozanov stressed:

“It is essential to increase productivity through investments in solid infrastructure (railway and road transport), strong investment in education, knowledge, and practical skills, as well as accelerated digitalization by harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence.”

The full conversation is available on the YouTube channel of the Economic Chamber: