Distinguished President Tadic,
Respected businessmen,
Dear guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to have this opportunity to address this business forum today. I use this opportunity to greet you and, also, to share with you my observations on the economic aspects of the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia.

Dear Attendees,

We know each other perfectly. Our two economies, as well as our two societies, are complementary and conversant. If our craftsmen, merchants and tailors have ever cooperated and economically advanced in the “Balkan Bazaar”, nowadays, the economic cooperation is at the level of economies. Serbian products and trademarks enjoy great reputation with Macedonian citizens, same as many Macedonian brands are accepted by Serbian citizens. Our businessmen use in continuity the benefits of our traditionally good political and economic relations, and therefore the Republic of Serbia is one of the most important economic partners of the Republic of Macedonia, and vice versa.

The aforementioned, believe me, is confirmed by positive experiences. The total trade exchange volume in the period January - April 2011 is around 598 million US dollars. Only in the period 2010 - 2011, the trade exchange between these two countries has increased for 25.4%, with a parallel increase of import and export of goods. However, due to the deficit on the Macedonian side, a balance of the trade is needed.

Ladies and gentlemen,
   
This business forum is organized in circumstances when governments and businessmen are trying to overcome the consequences of the world’s economic and financial crisis. The way out, I am convinced, lies in greater cooperation between companies from both countries, with additional modes of partnership, through joint appearance on third markets, joint ventures, higher form of cooperation and other projects of mutual interest.

The governments of both countries are here to improve the conditions for cooperation by support of main infrastructure projects, such as Corridor 10, the gas pipeline, but also, the construction of the Nish-Kumanovo transmission line.

The economic markers in the course of 2011, particularly the achievement of the planned economic growth, the increase of the industrial production, the increase of the export, indicate a better perspective. The Republic of Macedonia in the first nine months of 2011 marks increase in the foreign trade of goods of about 38% compared to the same period last year. In addition, the European and regional Balkan market are the most important foreign markets for the Republic of Macedonia. This is also due to the established legal framework for trading between the Republic of Macedonia and the countries from the European Union and the Western Balkans. In particular, I would like to underline that the CEFTA agreement gave the opportunity to the regional countries to use the single free trade zone, which would be especially convenient for the economic development of our region and its European integration.

Distinguished Businessmen,

The Republic of Macedonia, has directed all of its strengths and potentials towards the economic development by creating favorable economic environment. We have a long-term macroeconomic stability with low inflation rate which on average is 2% in the last 10 years. We have balanced public finances with low budget deficit, stable currency rate and low public debt which is less than 26% of the gross-domestic product. It is expected, by the end of the year, annual increase of the gross-domestic product to be achieved. Moreover, the results achieved in this area contribute for Macedonia to be among the three top-reformers according to the renowned “2011 Doing Business” report of the World Bank.

As far as tax policy is concerned, low and flat taxes of 10% have been introduced. The flexibility of the labor market has been increased. Reforms in administration, judiciary, fiscal sector, education and in agriculture have been introduced, and also investments in infrastructure and energy sector have been increased.

Therefore, I would like to invite Serbian businessmen to exploit the comparative advantages of Macedonia in implementing their business plans, not only for our market, but also for the whole region. The Republic of Macedonia remains open for cooperation and willing to provide the necessary support to your companies.

I will conclude by wishing you success in your work. Thank you for your attention.