NORTH MACEDONIA'S MINISTER OF ECONOMY AND LABOR BESAR DURMISHI AND HIS DELEGATION MEET WITH ANKARA'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT ATO

31-10-2024- North Macedonia's Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, and his delegation met with the business people of the capital at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO). The meeting, hosted by ATO Board Chairman Gürsel Baran and ATO Assembly President Mustafa Deryal, was attended by representatives from various sectors, including defense, automotive, iron and steel, industrial machine manufacturing, agricultural machinery, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

ATO PRESIDENT GÜRSEL BARAN: "OUR COUNTRIES HAVE SIGNIFICANT TRADE POTENTIAL BOTH BILATERALLY AND WITH THIRD COUNTRIES."

Gürsel Baran, ATO Board Chairman, emphasized that many sectors in North Macedonia are seen by Turkish entrepreneurs as potential investment opportunities. He also noted that North Macedonia is an important transit and distribution hub in the Balkans. Baran highlighted, "Both bilateral trade and trade with third countries hold significant potential for our countries. We want to strengthen the strong ties and the emotional bond between Turkey and North Macedonia through trade and investment."

STRENGTHENING TRADE AND INVESTMENT RELATIONS

Baran shared that over 100 Turkish companies operate in various sectors such as banking, construction, healthcare, airport management, education, textiles, dairy products, insurance, hospitality, and tourism in North Macedonia. He mentioned that Turkish investments in the country amount to around 1.5 billion dollars and provide employment for nearly 5,000 people. He added, "Given North Macedonia's role as a key transit point in the Balkans, both bilateral trade and trade with third countries hold significant potential."

POTENTIAL MUST BE ACTIVATED

Emphasizing the Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and North Macedonia, which has been in effect since September 1, 2000, Baran pointed out that despite all the opportunities and proximity, the trade volume between the two countries is below 1 billion dollars. He expressed his belief that there is far more potential, stating, "We believe there is much more potential, and we must activate this potential. We aim to strengthen the strong ties and the emotional bond between Turkey and North Macedonia through trade and investment."

TARGETING TO DOUBLE TRADE VOLUME

Besar Durmishi, North Macedonia's Minister of Economy and Labor, acknowledged the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He noted that after North Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize the Republic of North Macedonia. He emphasized Turkey's continued support for North Macedonia in all areas and expressed his desire to further develop trade and investment relations.

Minister Durmishi stated, "We aim to double the trade volume between Turkey and North Macedonia." He also added that the government is ready to provide all the necessary support for investors. Durmishi outlined potential opportunities in North Macedonia's energy, metals, and construction sectors and invited Turkish investors to explore investment opportunities in his country.

Halkbank General Manager Osman Arslan also spoke during the meeting, mentioning that Halkbank has been operating in North Macedonia for nearly 13-14 years with 47 branches, providing services not only to Turkish investors but also to investors from North Macedonia.

ATTENDEES: The meeting was attended by prominent figures including ATO's 64th Cleaning and Private Security Services Profession Committee Chairman Mehmet Ziya Çelik, 17th Textile and Ready-made Clothing Profession Committee Vice Chairman Yalçýn Yýlmaz, 2nd Ready-made Clothing, Knitwear Profession Committee Assembly Member Hayati Akbaba, 42nd Energy Sector Profession Committee Assembly Member Cem Kuyumcu, and 46th Flat Iron and Steel Products Profession Committee Assembly Member Hakan Bilgin.