“If we want to be a known destination for investments, we must develop and cultivate economic diplomacy, and build economic policy and efficient services,” emphasized the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, at the event “Consular Mosaic” held in Ohrid.

“We must invest in diplomatic missions that represent our country, especially in the countries with which we have the highest volume of trade. If our largest trade volume is with Germany, then we should have our largest diplomatic representation there — but in reality, we have the smallest,” Azeski stated. He emphasized that the three priorities the Chamber will focus on in the upcoming period are: exports, education, and regional cooperation.

In his address, the President of the Economic Chamber highlighted three investment activities that will have a major impact in the near future: construction of gas infrastructure — important for both businesses and citizens; railway infrastructure in the Vardar Valley, especially the connection with the port of Thessaloniki; and completing investments in given renewable energy sources.

The President of the Association of Foreign Companies with Technologically Advanced Production within the Chamber, Viktor Mizo, outlined three key aspects for attracting foreign investors: 1. Attracting foreign investments should be a state strategy and must not depend on whichever political government is in power; 2. Promotion of the country as a tourist destination, and promotion of exports and trade; 3. Development of a strategy identifying sectors with added value in goods and services for foreign investors.

“Attracting foreign investments should be handled by professionals in the field, and the economy should not be a political activity,” Mizo stated.

According to him, honorary consuls should help domestic companies connect with companies from the countries where they serve as consuls, and also assist in opening new markets. European markets are already accessible, but attention should also be directed toward markets in Asia, Africa, and the Near East.

Other speakers at the event included the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Ohrid, Mihajlo Filev; the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Türkiye in Ohrid, Abduraim Bajraktar; and the President of the Ohrid Municipal Council, Percho Bozhinovski.

The event “Consular Mosaic,” which symbolizes unity, tradition, art, and the connection of honorary consuls from Serbia and Türkiye, was first held last year in Bitola — the City of Consuls. Ohrid is the second city in the country in terms of the number of open consular offices. The aim of the event is to connect consuls with local governments and the business community.