The First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government and Minister of European Affairs, Bekim Sali, today participated in the business forum “Macedonia – Turkey” in Istanbul, where he emphasized the need to deepen economic cooperation and create new partnerships between the two countries, reported MIA.
In his address, Sali emphasized that Macedonia and Turkey nurture extremely close and friendly relations, built on mutual trust, respect and long-term partnership.
-Turkey is one of the most important economic partners of our country. Turkish companies have an important presence in industry, infrastructure, banking, education and tourism, contributing to economic development and the creation of new jobs – the press service of the Ministry of European Affairs announced.
Referring to the government’s priorities, the minister emphasized that the reform agenda and the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans represent a significant opportunity for economic progress and strengthening competitiveness.
– For the first time, European integration is directly related to concrete investments, economic growth and gradual integration into the single European market. It creates new opportunities for companies, investors and citizens – said Sali.
He called on Turkish companies to actively use the opportunities offered by the IPA funds, the European Union Growth Plan and the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans (WBIF), assessing that they represent a significant instrument for encouraging new investments and regional development.
Sally reminded that Corridors VIII and X remain strategic infrastructure projects of regional importance, which have the potential to further enhance connectivity and economic cooperation in the region.
He emphasized that there is a large space for deepening cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources, digital transformation, innovations, modern technologies and the production sector.
– European integration is not only a political process, but a process of modernization, competitiveness and prosperity – said Sali at the business forum in Istanbul.
