"Every infrastructure investment, especially when it involves large-scale capital projects such as the announced strategic agreement with the United Kingdom—which foresees financial support in the form of a €2.2 billion loan—represents a direct contribution to the construction sector, to economic growth, and to improving the quality of life for citizens," stated Andrea Serafimovski, President of the Association of Construction, Building Materials and Non-metal Industries at the Economic Chamber, during media appearances on several outlets (MTV, Alfa TV, 24 Vesti).

He emphasized that large-scale projects such as the construction of railway infrastructure along Corridor 10 (one of the country’s most important capital projects) have long-term value, since railway infrastructure is typically built once every 30 to 50 years, but its benefits are lasting. Serafimovski noted that construction companies lose significantly from their portfolios when they are not engaged as contractors on such capital projects. An example of this, he said, is the railway from Kumanovo to Beljakovce and the section to Kriva Palanka, currently being executed by foreign companies, despite existing potential and interest among domestic contractors. However, he supports foreign involvement as long as Macedonian firms are also part of the implementation—this would ensure knowledge transfer, the development of domestic capacity, and the potential for the sector to increase its contribution to GDP, which stood at 7.1% about a decade ago, but in recent years has averaged no more than 5.5%.

"Support through local self-government and the Hungarian loan has already provided a positive impulse, but the administrative and legal shortcomings of municipalities are slowing down the publication of tender procedures. Therefore, investments in railway infrastructure and the construction of healthcare facilities are expected to give an additional boost to the sector. The biggest challenge today is retaining skilled engineering staff. Such capital projects will allow us to retain and engage this workforce in real, long-term projects," concluded the President of the Construction Association.

Link to Andrea Serafimovski’s media appearances, President of the Association of Construction, Building Materials and Non-metal Industries: play.mrt.com.mk/play/584995