The volume of investments stands at about EUR 240 million in the first half of 2022, nearly 3,000 new jobs have opened, with total exports at EUR 2,2 billion, EUR 18 million in personal tax revenues, EUR 18 million from VAT, and EUR 91 million from wage contributions, Jovan Despotovski, director of the Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones (DTIDZ), said on Wednesday, transmits MIA.

Despotovski said investments worth over EUR 400 million and about 5,000 new jobs are expected by the end of the year. According to him, two new investments are in the final stage of negotiations and are to be unveiled by the end of the summer, with a delegation of a U.S.-Taiwanese company expected to visit the country next week.

“It is a large investment of about EUR 250 million and we will work on this during the year. The company hopes to take the final decision by the end of the year,” noted Despotovski.

He added that the 2021 wage average in the zones exceeded the national average for the first time on record.

“Is the wage level satisfactory? I believe not. I want, expect and we will work on their growth. I believe this is possible through smart approach and development, not only among existing companies but also bringing in new ones that are able to pay more because of the sector they are in,” said Despotovski.

Asked if there is sufficient workforce for the plants operating in the zones, he said the needs can be met in the short- and mid-term.

“However, I believe we are not far from the moment when we will face a shortage. We are now talking about several large investments that are set to employ over 5,000 people. Considering the existing companies, labor market pressure will be a reality. There are still some reserves, with the youth still not fully perceiving the opportunities offered by companies in the zones, so we will try to bring those opportunities closer to them,” said Despotovski.