A delegation of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia (ECNM) took part in the Strategic Chamber Meeting Abu Dhabi–Balkan, held in the United Arab Emirates, an event dedicated to strengthening institutional and business cooperation between the chambers of commerce of Abu Dhabi and the Balkan region. The initiative was organized by the Albanian Business Council in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).

The two-day program began with technical visits to Masdar City and KEZAD Group, during which representatives of the participating chambers and business institutions were introduced to advanced models of industrial zone management, renewable energy development, and sustainable urban planning. These pre-event activities provided valuable insight into Abu Dhabi’s experience in fostering innovation, investment, and green growth.

The main round table event — the Strategic Chamber Meeting Abu Dhabi–Balkan, hosted by ADCCI the following day — gathered high-level participants from the United Arab Emirates and the Balkan chambers of commerce. Apart from the Balkan chamber representatives, the speakers included H.E. Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Haba Al Ali from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Khaleefa Ali Al Hasani from the UAE Development Bank, and Valentina Marku, President of the Albanian Business Council in Abu Dhabi. The discussion focused on ways to deepen economic cooperation between the two regions, facilitate investment partnerships, and support the diversification and sustainability of both economies.

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia was represented by Daniel Matrakoski, International Cooperation Expert, who presented the Chamber’s institutional role and the key characteristics of the Macedonian economy. In his remarks, Mr. Matrakoski noted that the Chamber represents the country’s most comprehensive business network, whose members account for the majority of North Macedonia’s GDP, employment, and foreign trade. He also outlined several strategic sectors with strong potential for cooperation — manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and agribusiness — emphasizing that “Macedonia combines a dynamic business environment with a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, a skilled workforce, and industries that are rapidly aligning with EU standards and sustainability goals.”

The Chamber’s participation underscored its ongoing commitment to promoting international partnerships, improving the competitiveness of domestic companies, and attracting new investment through institutional dialogue and cooperation. The meetings in Abu Dhabi opened space for collaboration in areas such as energy transition, smart infrastructure, digitalization, and industrial connectivity.

As a follow-up to the successful visit, the ECNM invited representatives of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and partner institutions to visit the country and explore opportunities for direct business cooperation. At the same time, both sides expressed interest in organizing a company-dedicated B2B event toward the end of the year, to connect Macedonian enterprises with UAE partners and investors.

Through continued engagement with international chambers and institutions, the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia reaffirms its role as a bridge between the Macedonian business community and the global economy — fostering dialogue, investment, and sustainable growth.