Macedonian-UK business cooperation intensifying
07. March 2012. | 12:14
Source: MIA
Macedonian-UK business cooperation intensifying :: EMG :: SEE news
Agriculture, construction, financial services, insurance, information technology, road safety and innovation are potential spheres for establishing a new and intensifying the existing Macedonian-UK business cooperation, it was concluded at a forum Tuesday aimed at facilitating links between companies from both countries.
45 Macedonian and 16 UK firms held meetings at the forum, organised by the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce and the British Embassy in Skopje.
Vice PM for economic affairs, Vladimir Pesevski said the cooperation between Macedonia and the UK was bolstering. The Government and the Embassy in particular have been fostering an excellent collaboration thus far.
It was announced that British companies would invest in Macedonia during the visit by Prince Michael of Kent, however details are expected to be revealed upon their launching.
"The Prince Michael of Kent, who has paid a visit to Macedonia recently, held talks with business delegations. Contacts were established then, which are expected to result in concrete investments. In 2011, a business forum was organised in London to present country's investment opportunities and in month's time we will take part at a business forum once again as we plan to visit several cities in Britain. The objective is to enable companies to hold direct talks for cooperation and to boost trade exchange and transfer of knowledge," Pesevski said.
The British Embassy backs the Macedonian Government with several projects, including the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA).
"British businessmen are here to inspect the investment and business opportunities offered by Macedonia. It is expected over 100 direct meetings to be held with their Macedonian peers. Increased trade cooperation will benefit both countries," UK Ambassador Christopher Yvon stated.
UK is experiencing an economic growth and export is boosted. "That's why we are here. We are seeking ways to expand on new markets. We want to see what kind of a partner for cooperation is Macedonia," Nick Owen - a British businessmen - said.
Tuesday's event aiming at facilitating links between Macedonian and UK companies is a resumption of last year's UK Chamber to MK Chamber event that established institutional cooperation between nine chambers of commerce from the UK and four chambers from Macedonia.
Macedonian economy stable despite Europe's debt crisis, says NBRM Governor
Stip, 7 March 2012 (MIA) - National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (NBRM) Governor Dimitar Bogov delivered Wednesday a lecture on topic "Maintaining Macroeconomic Stability and Economic Growth Amid Eurozone Debt Crisis" before Faculty of Economics students at the Stip-based University "Goce Delcev".
Bogov stressed the biggest challenge in 2012 is Europe's debt crisis, with developments closely monitored. According to him, Macedonian economy would be hit, but not like in 2008, whereas the country would post a GDP growth of 2.4 percent.
"Macedonia's economy will be less hit because imbalances are almost non-existent, since the payment balance deficit stands at below three percent of the GDP and there is no high private consumption", added Bogov.
Asked if the Denar exchange rate would change due to the reduced exports of Macedonian products, the Governor noted that NBRM remained on its policy of a stable Denar exchange rate, which has yielded favorable results over the past 15 years with regards to the maintenance of the country's macroeconomic stability.
"Our analyses have shown that price competitiveness has increased of the past decade and we see no reason why the exchange rate policy should be altered", emphasized Bogov.
World Bank to single out additional $50 million for Municipal Services Improvement Project
Skopje, 6 March 2012 (MIA) - Minister of Local Self-Government Nevzat Bejta held talks Tuesday with World Bank director for Macedonia, Lilia Burunciuc.
Interlocutors discussed ways to strengthen the cooperation and opportunities for the Ministry of Local Self-Government to increase its activity in World Bank-funded projects, it said in a press release.
World Bank officials informed Minister Bejta on the realisation of the Municipal Services Improvement Project in amount of 25 million dollars.
The project aims at financing infrastructural projects in municipalities, especially in poverty-stricken regions. By having an access to these credits, municipalities will be able to carry out projects advancing functions, authorisations and services in many areas, stated the press release.
WB director Lilia Burunciuc said that due to positive experiences from project's implementation, in particular as a result of the huge interest shown by municipalities for favourable credits granted by the state to finance their projects, the World Bank would set aside additional 50 million dollars for the project.
)
