Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the opening of the first Balkan Venture Forum, being held under his auspices, organized by Balkan Unlimited.

Disitnguished Attendees, Esteemed Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct pleasure to wish you welcome at the first Balkan Venture Forum in Skopje. This significant event puts Macedonia on the map of regular European meetings of entrepreneurs, innovators and investors. From now on, Macedonia and its regional neighbors are officially networked in the big European family of investors and entrepreneurs in the innovative sectors. Through these meetings we promote exchange of innovations, experiences and opportunities which help entrepreneurs realize their business ideas.

We know that an idea can change everything. Bill Gates had an idea, but when he started pursuing investors, some refused him, believing that his idea was too risky. We can only assume how they feel today. Therefore, I believe that such events are a challenge and an opportunity for presenting new ideas. Ideas that can result in cooperation that would lead to the next Apple, Microsoft, Skype, Genentech.

Information and communication technologies are changing the world we live in, or as Thomas Friedman says, they make the world flat. A flat world is equally accessible to all those individuals and groups, countries and regions involved in this global phenomenon. That is possible today, in times of globalization, at a time when every company can sell its products over the Internet.

I am particularly pleased to see many international investors at this investment forum. I am confident that here they will find high-tech innovators and entrepreneurs from the Balkans and together they will establish investment and strategic partnerships.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Some believe that the role of the Government and of the state in general in support of science, technology and innovation is measured by how much money is invested in research and development. Money is important metrics, but thus only the input, and not the output is expressed. The real question I ask myself is: Is ti possible to achieve more with less resources? This question requires an innovative response! We should think beyond the mattrix.

There are various indicators of economic development of a country, such as, for example, the gross domestic product, the scope of foreign investment, infrastructure and energy. However, real driving force for economic growth of a country are entrepreneurs and innovators. You, who think differently from the others, are the real instigators of economic development, instigators and leaders of social progress.

If you ask entrepreneurs: What is the biggest challenge to start a business, the most common answer would be: to find and retain hardworking people. Diligence is valuable because is hard to find. Indeed, I would like to assure you that our greatest resource is our citizens and their diligence, creativity and dedication.

Our biggest investment is education of generations to come. Moreover, our greatest responsibility is through education to cultivate a spirit of openness, inventiveness and determination. Through openness, we have evolved from the traditional, outdated ways of thinking that are restricting us and stand on the path of the future. Through inventiveness we create ideas that move the economy, science and society. But through determination, we are competing the risk. Hence, being an entrepreneur means exactly that – a competition against the risk. A man who does not give up even when he is not successful, will certainly succeed in the end. What he needs is a willingness to continue. Therefore, we should not be afraid, but we must learn from failure. In circumstances when the Internet has globalized and localized the world and the global economy, there is no greater risk of not taking a risk.

Distinguished Participants,
The world is still recuperating from the global economic and financial crisis. The only way we can successfully overcome the crisis and establish a sustainable economy based on free market, competitiveness and quality, is to encourage the work of small and medium enterprises. They are pillars of the economic development of any successful country.

Our vision is to create innovation-based economy. Our goal is the Republic of Macedonia to become a country of innovators and innovations. I believe our neighbors share the same vision. Together we can contribute to the growth and market creation. Market in which companies, small and medium enterprises, will always compete with new and unique ideas, products and services, using sophisticated manufacturing processes. We need to create favorable conditions through strategic planning, appropriate legislative framework and institutional development. Businessmen and investors will be able to see the potentials and provide the necessary financial support.

I believe this important conference is a platform for this development because it encourages synergy among investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, policy makers and businessmen at national and regional level. Also, it encourages innovation as one of the most cost-effective investments. I am convinced that this event for many managers and entrepreneurs will be an incubator for new businesses and entering new markets. I am particularly glad that this event is the first one in the series of similar planned annual forums in the region.

At the end, I avail myself of this opportunity to urge : Tempus fugit - carpe diem! Time flies – seize the day! Utilize the opportunities you have. Make partnerships, invest in the Republic of Macedonia, invest in our region. Concluding with this thought, I declare the first Balkan Venture Forum opened!

Thank you.