North Macedonia-Turkey Business Forum Held in Skopje
The North Macedonia-Turkey Business Forum, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), took place on December 26, 2024, in Skopje, attended by Turkey's Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timço Mucunski, North Macedonia's Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmişi, Turkey's Ambassador to Skopje, Fatih Ulusoy, the President of DEIK, Nail Olpak, the President of the North Macedonia Chamber of Commerce, Branko Azeski, TMB President Erdal Eren, ASKON President Orhan Aydın, TOBB Vice President Tamer Kıran, and business representatives from both countries.
Turkey's Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, emphasized that the strong and lasting relations between Turkey and North Macedonia have always served as a successful example in the Balkans. He stated that the Balkans hold great significance for Turkey, as it is a vital geography connecting Europe and Turkey to Asia. He described the Balkans as an important transit point linking Turkey to Central and Western Europe. He further remarked that the peace and stability in the Balkan region, reinforced by historical and cultural ties, is of great importance to Turkey. He also noted that strengthening the Balkans and promoting peace, stability, and development in these countries is a significant objective and practice of Turkey's foreign policy. Bolat indicated the importance of the Balkans for international investments and highlighted that Turkish investors are present in all Balkan countries and are increasing their activities daily. He pointed out that North Macedonia serves as a base for Turkey in terms of both foreign trade and investments. Bolat expressed satisfaction that the total trade volume between the two countries is approaching $900 million by the end of this year, and he mentioned that the Free Trade Agreement established a foundation for their commercial relations. During discussions with his esteemed counterpart Mucunski, they decided to initiate meetings and contacts between their teams to update the Free Trade Agreement and expand it to new areas. He expressed hope that both sides would present their expectations and demands, and it would be possible to sign an updated Free Trade Agreement in the near future.
Bolat stated that they are ready to contribute to North Macedonia's development, infrastructure, and superstructure projects with the worldwide success of Turkish contractors, assuring cooperation in customs applications and free zone practices between the two countries. He expressed openness to any necessary technical cooperation in this regard to his esteemed counterpart. He added that in the defense industry, Turkey's globally recognized defense companies are also ready to cooperate with North Macedonian companies in procurement and joint production.
Mucunski stated that approximately 2,000 Turkish companies are investing in North Macedonia, highlighting that the Business Forum provides an extraordinary opportunity for establishing and developing direct cooperation among businesspeople from both countries. He expressed hope that today's forum would positively impact the intensification and elevation of mutual economic relations. Mucunski shared that the North Macedonia government's priority is to enhance cooperation with traditional partners like Turkey, stating that the trade volume between the two countries is progressing upward, and they anticipate surpassing the $1 billion threshold. He noted that Turkish companies are among the top tourists visiting North Macedonia this year.
Durmişi mentioned that North Macedonia has consistently maintained excellent cooperation with Turkey and Turkish companies. He stated that the relations between Turkey and North Macedonia provide both countries with joint access to new markets. Durmişi remarked that Turkey is a significant trade partner and strategic investment partner that continually invests in various sectors of the North Macedonian economy. He added that Turkey ranks seventh among the countries with the largest trade volume with North Macedonia last year. Durmişi expressed hope that the cooperation between Turkey and North Macedonia would deepen further in the future, noting that total investments in North Macedonia amount to €2 billion, with Turkish investors holding a 38% share of foreign investments in the country.
Nail Olpak, the President of DEIK, stated that they have a trade volume of nearly $900 million with North Macedonia and believe they have the potential to increase it. He emphasized the importance of diversifying economic relations between the two countries across different sectors, expanding from trade to investments and bilateral cooperation. Olpak highlighted the necessity of updating the Free Trade Agreement to include food products and expressed the importance of Turkish firms taking a more active role in significant projects within the framework of the European Union's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. He noted that cooperation between Turkish contractors, who have undertaken approximately 45 projects valued at around $2 billion in North Macedonia, and local partners in constructing 30 physical education facilities for schools in rural areas would provide great advantages. Olpak stressed the importance of focusing on cooperation in the field of digitalization, noting the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Transformation for the first time after elections in this country. He mentioned that prominent Turkish firms and DEIK/Digital Technologies Business Council could pave the way for North Macedonian companies to invest in the future. He added that the International Balkan University in Skopje offers educational opportunities for Turkish students, while Turkish universities host nearly 700 Macedonian students, indicating that such collaborations and mutual educational activities would further strengthen future cooperation. Furthermore, he suggested that jointly organized bus services could enhance tourism collaboration.
Erdal Eren, the President of the Turkish Contractors Association (TMB), remarked that contracting services are one of Turkey's major activities in which it has gained a strong competitive edge globally over the past 50 years. He proudly announced that as of today, they have completed over 12,000 projects worth $523 billion in 137 countries worldwide.
Tamer Kıran, the Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), expressed satisfaction in following North Macedonia's EU accession process, stating that implementing the reforms required by the accession process would strengthen North Macedonia's economy, enhance its competitiveness, and contribute to the improvement of the citizens' welfare.
Branko Azeski, the President of the North Macedonia Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the excellent cooperation with Turkish firms operating in the North Macedonia market in a video message.
The sponsors of the Business Forum included 3T Group, Halkbank, and TAV Airports.