PM Zaev presents Macedonia’s investment benefits in London

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev took part Monday at the prime ministers’ panel within the Western Balkans Investment Summit in London, organized by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Prime ministers referred to the priorities in regional networking projects and economic cooperation, the most important challenges for the successful realization of joint priorities, as well as the benefits offered by the region and each individual country in attracting foreign investors, the Government said in a press release.

PM Zaev said the need for increased networking of Western Balkan countries is one of the priorities for the region, seen through simplified cooperation among customs services and border controls.

“Facilitation of procedures, improved coordination, cooperation and networking are aimed not only to the enhancement of national and regional trade, but also to creating jobs and economic development. Attraction of foreign investments should go in parallel with the encouragement for political changes as criterion for European integration, which is the leading aspiration of regional states, including Macedonia,” stressed Zaev.

The PM pointed out that uprooting of corruption and development of infrastructure, roads and railways, as well as gas distribution and the most pressing challenges for the region, and saluted the overlapping of these priorities with the ones of EBRD and other EU financial instruments.

Regarding the benefits that Macedonia is offering to foreign investors, Zaev said the Government’s efforts are focused on securing a stable economic environment and its credibility as a partner in business, seen through the Economic Growth Plan and the law supporting financial investments.

“Our benefits include lowering of costs for investments. We have detailed lists of benefits, subsidies and criteria for all investors. They are transparent and equal for all potential investors,” said PM Zaev.

The Macedonian delegation at the investment summit also includes Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Koco Angjusev, Vice Premier for European Affairs Bujar Osmani, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi and Finance Minister Dragan Tevdovski.

The third Western Balkans Investment Summit was opened by EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, whose country is currently holding the EU Presidency, and the Rt Hon Matt Hancock, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.