Balkans | “Turkey is one of the largest investors in the country”

Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu held a joint press conference with Economy Minister Krishnik Bekci as part of his visit to North Macedonia.

Investments, innovations, technological development, energy and tourism were among the topics of today’s sixth session of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between North Macedonia and Turkey, chaired by Minister of Economy Krishnik Bekci and Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Krishnik Bekteci. .

In the joint press conference of Bakci and Kasapoglu after the session, a protocol and a memorandum of understanding were signed with the Macedonian Youth and Sports Agency and the Entrepreneurship Support Agency in order to further strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields within the framework of the joint committee.

The two sides are intensifying their steps to modernize the free trade agreement.

Speaking at the joint press conference, Minister of Economy Bekteshi said: “Continuity, according to the numbers, cooperation is deepening, and it is likely that it will continue in this way. Turkey is one of the largest investors in the country and I think it will continue as well, but our goal is to develop free trade agreements.” . He said.

Stating that he expects cooperation in the field of energy, Bakci said: “There is great interest from Turkish companies to invest in renewable resources. We will discuss natural gas supplies to diversify supply options and increase energy independence, and this can extend to Kosovo as well as southern Serbia and the Western Balkans in general.” . Use phrases.

Minister Kasapoglu also said that Turkish investors are interested in investing in renewable energy resources in North Macedonia.

Kasapoğlu said, “We see North Macedonia as an important partner in investments. Turkish investments in North Macedonia have so far exceeded $1.2 billion. But here we have new steps, especially in the field of renewable energy. We are also ready for this in North Macedonia.” He said.

Referring to discussing energy, industry, culture, tourism and trade in the monument and providing new inputs for cooperation, Kasapoglu said that trade between the two countries last year approached $1 billion and Turkey exported $700 million to North Macedonia.

As announced in the press conference held the day after the joint committee meeting, Turkish-Macedonian business meetings with businessmen and investors are scheduled.