The Ministry of Economy in 2021 will continue to implement several programs to support the industry, innovations, guilds, tourism and households, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi has announced.
A total of 68.8 million denars has been provided for the program for competitiveness, innovations and entrepreneurship, whereas 52 million denars has been set aside to fund the program promoting renewable energy sources and stimulating energy efficiency.
“As part of the program for competitiveness, innovations and entrepreneurship, 50 million denars is provided for measures to support the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, 13 million are intended for the measures as part of the Industry Strategy, 4.8 million for measures to support clusters, and one million will go for measures promoting social responsibility as well as subsidies for private enterprises,” Bekteshi told a news conference Monday.
This year, he added, money from the program on promotion of renewable energy sources and household energy efficiency will be paid on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Last year due to the pandemic, we were unable to implement the program and financing was redirected to support those affected by the crisis. This year, however, we continue to provide the citizens with financial assistance,” the Minister said adding that costs would be covered for the installation of solar collector systems, PVC or aluminum windows, and for procurement of pellet stoves.
Speaking at the news conference, Bekteshi said that a total of 31 million denars is secured under the program for tourism development in North Macedonia.
“Also, 8 million denars is to curb energy poverty,” he said.
Furthermore, Bekteshi announced that the measure involving subsidies for alternative fuel for vehicles, including liquefied natural gas and methane, will resume this year after being suspended in 2019 due to the pandemic. A public call for the 11-million-denar program will be issued in the third quarter according to the first-come, first-served principle.
