In an interview for the portal Faktor, Dr. Jelisaveta Georgieva Jovevska, the person in charge of infrastructure and economic development at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, speaks about the deepening cooperation with Bechtel-ENKA, the role of the Association of Construction, and the importance of the Chamber’s 3I project (Investment, Export, Infrastructure) in supporting structural transformation and the industrial modernization of our economy.

Faktor: Ms. Georgieva Jovevska, could you tell us how and when your cooperation with the American-Turkish consortium Bechtel-ENKA began?

Georgieva Jovevska: In relation to your question, allow me first to emphasize that the strategic commitments of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia—namely increasing exports, supporting export-oriented companies, fostering regional connectivity, and enabling structural transformation and modern industrialization of the Macedonian economy—have set the pace for implementing activities and events within the Chamber aimed at supporting those targets. The Chamber’s 3I project (promoting Investment, Export, and Infrastructure), as a continuation of our initiative for a new model of economic growth, needs to take its rightful, priority place in the coming period. Our country has significant potential for infrastructure development: transport infrastructure (which drives construction activity and stimulates overall economic growth), energy infrastructure, and, of course, gas infrastructure.

The country needs to build quality, secure, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on accessible infrastructure that ensures equitable access for all. By 2030, it is necessary to improve infrastructure and modernize industries to make them sustainable—by increasing resource-use efficiency and adopting clean environmental technologies and industrial processes. Of course, all countries in the region (the Western Balkans) must take measures in accordance with their capacities.

Therefore, in the area I oversee within the institution, the Chamber’s activities are focused on organizing events and projects aimed at monitoring the need for the full implementation of the planned infrastructure projects in the country—particularly those along Corridors 8 and 10-d. At our institution, we conduct analyses, provide information, organize events, facilitate networking, and more. Specifically, in the field of infrastructure in the RNM, we monitor developments and cooperate with institutions and companies to ensure the realization of set goals, with the aim of creating a better climate and logistics framework for doing business—and thereby increasing the economic growth of our country. Here, I would also like to emphasize the need to encourage the acceleration of the construction of gas infrastrucutre in our country, an issue we have raised many times, yet after decades we still have not reached the desired outcomes.

Now, more specifically, allow me to share about our partnership and excellent communication with Bechtel-ENKA.

As we all know, on 8 March 2023, the Government of the RNM and the American-Turkish consortium Bechtel-ENKA signed an agreement for the construction of Corridors 8 and 10-d—more precisely, for the construction of the following motorway sections: Trebenishta–Struga–Kjafasan (22 km), Gostivar–Bukojchani (30 km), Tetovo–Gostivar (17 km), and Prilep–Bitola (40 km).

The value of this major capital project—not only for our country but also more broadly—is 1.3 billion euros, and the total length of the motorway sections covered by these corridors is 111 kilometers.

Both at the time of the contract signing and today, we can confidently say that everyone agrees this infrastructure project is one of the most important and largest infrastructure initiatives for our country. Through a strong construction drive, it can lead to the creation of a modern, high-quality, and safe road network. The contract was designed with the expectation that the first results would be visible within five years of the project's start, covering the four motorway sections. The plan projected that, within this timeframe, the construction of Corridor 8—stretching 68 kilometers and including a six-lane motorway connecting Tetovo, Gostivar, Kichevo, Struga, and Kjafasan—would be completed. Corridor 10-d is planned to include a six-lane highway 40 kilometers long, connecting Prilep with Bitola.

Here, it must also be emphasized that, from the very beginning, the public was aware that field operations would not proceed easily—in other words, that one of the biggest problems, or if you prefer, challenges on the ground would be resolving the issue of land expropriation. This has, in fact, been confirmed. Most recently, if you recall, even the Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, during an on-site inspection of Bechtel-ENKA’s work on the Gostivar–Bukojchani section in September 2024, stated that the expropriation of land for the entire Corridor 8 and Corridor 10-d project would be completed by New Year’s. After that, the American-Turkish contractor would be able to fully commence the visible part of the motorway construction. At that time, he also stressed that expropriation cannot be completed in six months, that it is the main obstacle for the construction works, and that there were still about half of the cadastral parcels pending expropriation, which would be cleared by the end of 2024.

This entire process requires good cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Transport, the Public Enterprise for State Roads, the State Attorney’s Office, the Property and Legal Affairs Office, the Agency for Real Estate Cadastre, the Ministry of Agriculture, Macedonian Forests (Public Enterprise), and others. Once the expropriation is resolved, Bechtel-ENKA will be able to proceed with their work without obstruction.

Immediately after the signing of the contract with this consortium, the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia publicly stated its support for this significant capital project and also insisted that Macedonian companies be included as much as possible in the execution of the works from start to finish.

Shortly after the agreement was signed and the opening of Bechtel-ENKA’s office in Skopje, the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia made contact with the leadership of the consortium. They became partners of the Chamber and agreed to work together to build partnerships with Macedonian companies. The Chamber promptly appointed a dedicated liaison to communicate and collaborate directly with them—myself—and together with our Chamber’s Association of Construction, we developed a work plan and agenda.

Thus, already at the end of 2023, we organized presentations with Bechtel-ENKA in almost all regional chambers that the Economic Chamber operates across the country (Skopje, Shtip, Kavadarci, Bitola, Prilep, etc.). Representatives from Bechtel-ENKA gave presentations to staff in our regional offices, explaining their methodology for cooperating with Macedonian companies and how local firms can apply and participate in the execution of works with this American-Turkish consortium.

At all the meetings held in the regional offices, two key topics were especially highlighted in the discussions. The first was the promotion of domestic companies, where the Economic Chamber, its member companies, and the representatives of Bechtel-ENKA agreed that integrating local resources and expertise is of great importance for the successful completion of the project. The second key topic was the cooperation processes—specifically, the procedures for the participation of domestic companies in tenders and procurement processes.

During these meetings, the Economic Chamber also discussed with Bechtel-ENKA the procedures for improving communication and transparency within these processes, as well as for overcoming potential barriers.

Both then and now, in the ongoing communication and partnership with Bechtel-ENKA, they have emphasized that upon completion of the expropriation process, more work fronts will open up and more opportunities will become available for domestic companies. Bechtel-ENKA are committed to creating conditions for the effective inclusion of domestic companies, which will help stimulate the local economy

All the activities we have undertaken so far are enabling broader involvement of local companies in the implementation of this project, and these activities are of national and strategic importance.

Faktor: Did the Consortium request support from you in securing workers for the construction activities?

Georgieva Jovevska: At a meeting last year between the management teams of Bechtel-ENKA and the Economic Chamber, support was indeed requested from us in securing a workforce that, over the entire planned implementation period of the project, would need to reach around 4,000 workers (both skilled labor such as engineers, and unskilled workers like general laborers).

We, as the Chamber, are providing support in every possible way—whether through outreach to our members, mobilizing companies, publishing announcements, or organizing meetings and similar activities. I believe that we are and will remain true partners until the complete realization of Bechtel-ENKA’s project activities, and that we will be proud of our joint efforts in the end. I must once again emphasize that it is necessary for Macedonian companies to be fully included in the execution of these strategic projects—of course, by contributing their expertise, knowledge, and capacity, and by meeting the necessary standards and criteria.

Faкtor: The culmination of this months-long cooperation and the presentations was the recent meeting at the Bechtel-ENKA camp in Gostivar. How did that meeting go, and what are your plans for the future?

Georgieva Jovevska: Exactly. A few days ago, on 29 April 2025, an important meeting was held at the Bechtel-ENKA camp in Gostivar between the company’s management and the domestic companies that are members of the Association of Construction within the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia. This event, organized as part of the cooperation between Bechtel-ENKA and the Economic Chamber, aimed to deepen the collaboration and enable greater inclusion of local construction companies in the implementation of Corridors 8 and 10-d—two of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country and the broader region.

Josh Baker, Project Manager at Bechtel-ENKA, expressed his gratitude for the constructive cooperation with the Chamber and for the strong interest shown by local companies. He noted that currently about 60 percent of the project’s suppliers are local, as well as more than 90 percent of the subcontractors, with the goal of increasing that participation even further. He emphasized their eagerness to build deep and collaborative partnerships with local companies and to work together to achieve the highest safety and quality standards. He also noted that despite initial delays due to expropriation, construction activities on the Gostivar–Bukojchani and Prilep–Bitola sections are progressing steadily, and the Tetovo–Gostivar section is entering an accelerated phase.

Josh Baker also highlighted to the Macedonian construction companies that Bechtel-ENKA have successfully implemented motorway projects across the Balkans for over 35 years, thanks to the strong cooperation between their direct teams and subcontractors—most of whom come from the local markets in which they operate. According to him, this partnership model—based on teamwork, mutual learning, and shared commitment—is the key to their success. They are continuing this approach in their current project as well and are already seeing promising results in areas where subcontractors are involved.

The managers from Bechtel-ENKA, during the meeting with more than 30 representatives from Macedonian construction companies, stressed that unified effort is essential for achieving the highest standards throughout the project. Everyone agreed that the more local companies that join, the stronger this project will become.

At this same meeting in Gostivar, the technical managers from Bechtel-ENKA—responsible for subcontracting, earthworks, structures, rock works, and installations—presented the procedures and opportunities for registration and qualification of domestic companies, encouraging them to actively apply for upcoming opportunities.

As the Chamber, we once again emphasized at this meeting the readiness and capacity of Macedonian companies to be included in these significant infrastructure projects. Our companies have decades of experience, both domestically and internationally, and we believe in a joint approach—combining domestic expertise with international standards.

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia reaffirms its commitment to its members and now invites all interested companies to contact us for assistance and resources related to project engagement. I must highlight that immediately after the meeting, there was networking between the Macedonian companies and the managers from Bechtel-ENKA, and our firms expressed their gratitude to the Chamber and the Association of Construction for organizing such meetings in the future as well—to better familiarize themselves with the requirements and criteria, and to explore tendering and job opportunities.

Bechtel-ENKA has implemented motorway construction projects in the region, including in Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia, Türkiye, and Romania. Together, Bechtel-ENKA has built more than 28,000 kilometers of motorways and roads, 100 tunnels, and 26 major bridges. We want to demonstrate that Macedonian companies are true partners in the realization of what is the largest infrastructure project to date for our country, and through this, we want to show that together we can boost the economy and create better working and living conditions in Macedonia.

Faktor: Do you have any figures on how many Macedonian companies are currently working with the Bechtel-ENKA consortium? For example, which company or companies built the Bechtel-ENKA camp in Gostivar?

Georgieva Jovevska: According to our communication with the Consortium, Bechtel-ENKA aim to integrate the Corridor 8 and Corridor 10-d projects into the local market. According to them, 348 of their suppliers are domestic companies, which represents over 60 percent of Bechtel-ENKA’s suppliers, and around 93 percent of their subcontractors—or 109 companies—are also from the domestic market. Bechtel-ENKA aim to cooperate with even more local companies. These figures show that their collaboration is moving in that direction—to include as many domestic companies as possible in their operations.

Faktor: Is there currently a labor shortage at Bechtel-ENKA, and how many of the workers are from Macedonia versus foreign workers?

Georgieva Jovevska: According to information from our partner, the Bechtel-ENKA consortium, they are actively seeking more local labor. At the moment, 1,700 people are working on the project, of which 52 percent are local, from nearby villages and towns.

Link to the interview.