The Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Macedonia, H.E. Gregor Presker, together with the Embassy’s Economic Advisor, Goran Križ, met at the Economic Chamber with President Branko Azeski to discuss ways and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries, as well as the possibility for Slovenia to act as one of the mentor countries supporting Macedonia on its path toward the European Union — a strategic objective for the country.

President Azeski emphasized that Slovenia’s experience, as well as the knowledge and solutions it applies in positioning itself within the European Union, are of exceptional importance for Macedonia, particularly given the many similarities between the two countries, and should be utilized more extensively. It is therefore no coincidence, he noted, that the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia — together with ambassadors from other EU Member States — is part of the Business Club established by the Economic Chamber. The Club brings together prominent Macedonian companies, members of the academic community, and experts in EU integration, with the shared goal of using the experiences of EU Member States to help create a more favorable business environment and enable Macedonian companies to more easily approach EU markets through technology, experience, and knowledge transfer.

Azeski further stressed the importance of Slovenia’s continued diplomatic presence in Macedonia through ambassadors who demonstrate a strong interest in industry and the economy. As confirmation of this, he pointed to the fact that Slovenia is the fifth-largest investor in the country, with approximately EUR 600 million invested across multiple sectors, including the financial sector, metal and electronics industries, and the food industry, among others.

Ambassador Presker highlighted that Slovenian companies already operating in Macedonia — employing around 3,500 people — have a long-term strategy and vision for their presence in the market. He also noted that the Slovenian education system offers significant opportunities for Macedonian students, who represent, as he stated, the second-largest nationality among international students in Slovenia. The Ambassador announced that a business delegation from Slovenia is expected to visit Macedonia in mid-year, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and establishing new business partnerships and ventures. He also noted the growing interest in investments in the opposite direction — by Macedonian companies in Slovenia — beyond Alkaloid and IGM Trade, including interest from the construction sector. The Ambassador emphasized that it is essential for the country to work toward ensuring a favorable business climate and a secure legal framework that provides predictability for foreign investors. It was jointly concluded that all relevant stakeholders need to be actively engaged in implementing existing legislation — which currently lags in application — in establishing an education system aligned with business needs, and in regulating the real unemployment rate.

Slovenia sees additional cooperation potential not only in sectors where it is already present but also in the development of agritourism, where it can share its experience in strengthening the role of small farms in Macedonia as attractive tourist destinations. In the field of tourism, opportunities also exist in thermal tourism, winter sports (skiing), paragliding, and related activities. Environmental protection was likewise identified as an important area of cooperation, with Slovenia recognized as a leader in the implementation of successful environmental policies and as a “green destination.”