e are Europe. All six Western Balkans countries included in the Berlin Process initiative are part of Europe and I strongly believe that if we move forward together, we will move stronger and faster. As we work towards a common regional market, we are taking a step towards a European single market that will strengthen our economic integration, said Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi at online meeting of the Berlin Process ministers of economy on Wednesday.
He reaffirmed his position that countries should work on regional competitiveness, and not on regional competition.
“This, I believe, is our future. In this respect, at the meeting of the Managing Board of Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum, I presented the initiative to create unique, coherent policies to attract foreign direct investment for all countries, but also to create a strong regional value chain. It will improve our competitiveness much more than any of us can do individually,” Bytyqi noted.
In his address, he recalled that at last year’s summit in Sofia, the Western Balkan countries accepted the challenge of making the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as another tool for the region, to join the European efforts envisaged by the European Green Deal. These policies, Bytyqi underlined, are aimed at modern societies, creating economically efficient and competitive economies where growth is separated from greenhouse gas emissions, efficient use of resources and proper waste management and climate change adaptation.
“The Green Agenda covers five broad areas of action that are covered by the European Green Deal. They are related to decarbonization, use of air, water and soil, circular economy, agriculture and food production, as well as biodiversity protection. The Green Agenda represents eco-based approach to economic growth and new business opportunities leading to sustainable consumption and production models, where efficient use and reuse of resources are key, as no financial advantage is of any value if did not bring social and / or environmental benefits. North Macedonia is committed to these goals,” Bytyqi noted.
He informed that the government has started creating the first National Development Strategy 2021 – 2041. In this strategic document for the development of our country, the next twenty years, European green policies will be included as an integral part of the overall strategy. In early June, Bytyqi added, the government adopted an 8.7-billion-euro investment action plan, with a significant 3.1-billion-euros, or almost 40 per cent, earmarked for public and private investments in the energy sector.
According to Bytyqi, the country’s industrial strategy is aligned with the European vision of our society through the development of the manufacturing sector, greening production, allowing new investments and linking foreign direct investment with local producers for their involvement in international/regional value chains.
“North Macedonia is also in the final stage of adopting the smart specialization strategy for sustainable economic growth. And, as you can see, my country is committed to achieving European values and standards and we are working hard because we believe we belong to the European family,” Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi said addressing the online meeting of the Berlin Process ministers of economy.
