Balkans | Republic of North Macedonia’s Country Day event held in Ankara

The “Republic of North Macedonia Day” event was held in cooperation with the Ankara Chamber of Industry and the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia.

The “Republic of North Macedonia Country Day Event” was organized by ASO and the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia. Within the framework of this event, the practices and incentives that can be offered to continue and increase the growth of the investments developed between Turkey and the Republic of North Macedonia were discussed. At the event hosted by ASO, presentations about business environments and investment opportunities in North Macedonia were given by the authorities from Macedonia.

Speaking within the framework of the event, ASO President Seyit Ardıç emphasized that they have a historical friendship with the Republic of North Macedonia and said, “We are glad that the friendly relations between Macedonia and Turkey continue in a very positive way within the framework of NATO, cooperation in international organizations especially the European Union and the Council of Europe. I would like To express this, North Macedonia, which separated from the former Yugoslavia in a referendum on September 8, 1991, is celebrating its 32nd year of independence this year. On this occasion, I congratulate the independence and freedom of all the people of North Macedonia on this beautiful day.

“Our exports, which were $20 million from Ankara to Macedonia in 2021, will reach $46 million in 2022.”

Ardış pointed out that Macedonia is an important gateway for Turkey to Europe and that trade and economic cooperation between Turkey and Macedonia has increased in the recent period:

The economic, political and cultural relations, which gradually increased with the transformation of Macedonia into an independent state, were strengthened through strong cooperation and strong friendship relations. Trade and economic relations between North Macedonia and Turkey have increased significantly since the beginning of the first decade of the twenty-first century. The volume of foreign trade has increased 10 times in 20 years, approaching 1 billion dollars by 2022. But I can say that we are still below our trade potential. It is noteworthy that exports from Ankara to Macedonia increased by 135 percent in the same period. Our exports, which were 20 million dollars from Ankara to Macedonia in 2021, reached 46 million dollars in 2022. This situation is very positive and encouraging for our province’s trade relations with Macedonia. Considering the wide product variety in Macedonia’s imports and that a large part of the imports are investment and intermediate goods, the Macedonian market offers great opportunities for our industrialists.

“The presence of Turkish companies in North Macedonia and the close relations between the two countries in the business world contribute to the continuation and development of the alliance.”

Noting that the Republic of North Macedonia and Turkey, with their strong historical and cultural ties, have an effective multilateral level of mutual sympathy and mutual support and the traditionally excellent bilateral and friendly relations, Jovan Manasijewski, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia in Ankara, said: “Today we are in NATO with Turkey. We work. As military and political allies.Bilateral economic relations, continuous and mutual high-level visits, comprehensive legal framework, liberal visa regime, the presence of Turkish companies in North Macedonia, especially in the field of strategic infrastructure and capital projects, and the close relations between the two countries in the business world contribute to the continuation of this alliance. He said, “Economic cooperation is determined by the upward trend in the growth of trade exchange, which would exceed the goals envisaged by both parties.”

“Turkey is one of the main trade sources for Macedonian manufacturing companies in matters such as raw materials, resources and packaging”

Stating that Turkey has always been among the 20 largest trading partners of North Macedonia, Manasijevski said, “Turkey is one of the main trade sources for Macedonian manufacturing companies in matters such as raw materials, resources and packaging. Last year, the total trade volume exceeded nearly $1 billion, With a deficit on the North Macedonian side.This shows that companies in both countries still have untapped potential.We, the government, are doing our best to strengthen all the conditions created against the intermittent business world.I would like to inform you that the negotiation process is going on to review Bilateral free trade agreement, which will contribute to further liberalization in the trade of agricultural products and services, and thus to an increase in trade.The negotiations are expected to end by the end of 2023 and the agreement protocols are expected to be completed.

Pointing out that there are more than 1,300 Turkish companies operating in various sectors in North Macedonia, Manasijevski added that Turkey is a big and important country for Macedonia. On the other hand, Manasijevski stated that all kinds of partnerships and economic cooperation, especially investments in certain sectors, are welcomed by the government of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The ceremony was attended by Nebe Ridzki, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Space of the Republic of North Macedonia, Susana Toneva, Economic Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia, and many Turkish and Macedonian businessmen.

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