Honorable President Komorowski,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great honor and pleasure to greet you at this business forum. This forum gives us the opportunity to see the challenges and opportunities for investment and trade cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland and to present the competitive conditions offered by the Republic of Macedonia, as a favorable business destination.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Poland is an important trading partner of the Republic of Macedonia, and in 2012 it was on the list of 20 best trading countries. In the first six months of 2013, unfortunately, Poland is no longer in the group of the largest trade partners of Macedonia. That is the reason why we are here today: to give a new spirit of the cooperation, since there is a real basis for that.

In 2013, there has been a growth in the share of total trade exchange between Macedonia and Poland to the structure of the total trade exchange between Macedonia and the world. Also, there has been an increase in the share of imports from Poland in Macedonia in the structure of total imports from the world in Macedonia.

This suggests that there is interest in trade cooperation between Macedonian and Polish companies. But the efforts of the institutions and chambers of both countries should be doubled in order to provide additional conditions for promotion of the international relations.

There is no doubt, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I am convinced that my colleague and friend, President Komorowski, also, within our capacities, will give our full support and assistance. It is not, indeed, by accident that we are here today to encourage and motivate you to continue your contacts, to find interest in cooperation. The governments of both countries will provide support. We will take all necessary measures and activities in order to increase the economic cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Top priority of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia is to create a highly competitive Macedonian economy as a basis for favorable business destination, attractive to foreign investment. Economy that meets the interests of potential investors, and the interests of export-oriented companies that are already in Macedonia.

To attain this goal, the Government and all relevant stakeholders, continuously work to improve the business environment and work conditions, providing equal benefits for foreign and domestic companies.

At macroeconomic level, Macedonia has stable macroeconomic policy with enhanced financial regulation. Foreign exchange operations are liberalized and the efficiency of the banking supervision is improved. There is long-term macroeconomic stability with low inflation, which is in average 2 % in the last 10 years. Public finances are balanced with a low budget deficit, a stable exchange rate and low public debt.

We have reformed the labor market and introduced active measures to boost employment. In the area of tax policy, we have introduced a low flat tax of 10 %. We have released of tax the retained profit which is not distributed in dividends. We have gradually reduced the social contributions for 1/3. With the Regulatory Guillotine we have simplified the business regulations, introduced one-stop shop system in customs and tax administration. We have facilitated the procedure for building, we have lessened ground rent, we have introduced subsidies for tour operators, thus improving the business climate in the country.

Distinguished Guests,

I am confident that our two friendly countries are committed to creating favorable business and trade climate, with special emphasis on the protection of common interests.

I encourage you to enhance mutual contacts and contacts with relevant institutions in Macedonia and Poland. I encourage you to look for coordination and logistic support for your future investment and trading activities. Hence, you and your business will be part of a successful and mutually beneficial business story.

I am convinced that this business forum will bear fruit and contribute to establish concrete cooperation among many of you.

Thank you.