At a time when global and European economies are facing the biggest challenges over the past few decades, starting with the COVID-19 crisis and followed by the energy crisis, price pressures and the war in Ukraine, we must all remain committed to developing economies and to continue to implement reform agenda and structural reforms, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi said in a video message addressing the EBRD annual meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, informs MIA.
Besimi said that bearing in mind difficulties that the world is facing, including climate change, which pose a serious threat to society and the economy, “green projects” and moving towards a green economy are high on the agenda. He also added that they are also oriented towards utilizing the benefits of modern technology and digitalization and thus creating synergy and improving productivity, Finance Ministry said in a press release.
In order to encourage the economic development of the country and implement the reform agenda, Minister Besimi underscored the importance of the Growth Acceleration Plan, as well as the EBRD support to our country.
“The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, since 1993, for almost three decades, is part of the process of building a modern, competitive, market-oriented economy, which North Macedonia is striving for. With 158 projects that have contributed and will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of our economy, connecting with the region and joining the EU, as well as the green transition, we can rightly name the EBRD our long-term and committed development partner,” Besimi said.
Finance Ministry’s press release added that the EBRD has been supporting North Macedonia in its efforts to improve its transport infrastructure, with investments in rail and road, in energy infrastructure, modernization of air navigation equipment, public transport, while EBRD credit lines are supporting private sector, especially for increasing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises, energy efficiency and renewables.
The EBRD has been significantly providing support to country’s EU accession path and the cooperation with the EBRD also focuses on improving the investment climate, encouraging international trade, cooperation with state-owned companies in the energy and infrastructure sector, to strengthen their corporate governance, reads the press release.
