The Macedonian-Bulgarian working group on economy, trade and innovations agreed Tuesday on setting up an investment discrimination safeguard, briefed Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi and Bulgarian Minister of Growth and Innovation Daniel Lorer.
The meeting discussed other specific projects in the fields of innovations, agriculture, startup industry, financial instruments, European funds, economic development and improvement of living standard. Countries’ development banks, innovation funds, agencies supporting entrepreneurship and investments exchanged institutional experiences, followed by presentation of rural development programmes, green and development bonds, Guarantee Fund and Energy Development Fund.
Later today, the working group will meet the chambers of commerce, exchanging views and proposals on further strengthening of the bilateral business cooperation. The next meeting of the working group is slated for the beginning of March, when investment funds will sign memorandums of understanding.
“Today we had the opportunity to discuss important topics, which demonstrates that our commitment to strengthen cooperation remains firm. The facility for transparency of investments, namely protection of investors in both countries, has emerged as an idea from this meeting, meaning that any company, be it Macedonian or Bulgaria, can report a problem, possible discrimination or doubt on discrimination when realizing the investment plan. The objective is to eliminate discrimination, to alarm at the highest political level if an investor has problems with regards to bureaucracy. If problems are swiftly communicated to the highest level, then the reaction for their elimination will be faster,” Minister Besimi told a joint press conference.
Minister Lorer added the facility is very simple and eliminates barriers. “We want to eliminate speculation through reports to the highest level if a party believes it is being discriminated. For example, if a Bulgarian company wants to invest and the construction permit procedure is stalled, then the report should immediately reach the highest levels so that the problem is solved,” said Lorer. He also urged for patience from the public while adding that the standpoint of the business community is of exceptional importance.
“We understand the impatience, but it is important that processes develop in parallel. Give us time to listen to the businesses, who know best the situation on both sides of the border,” said Lorer. He expressed satisfaction from today’s meeting and noted that the priorities of Bulgaria and North Macedonia are the same.
“We are very satisfied from the meeting, at which we got to know in detail the institutions focusing on the economic growth. Development banks will discuss on supporting projects, the funds on joint financial projects, while agencies for micro, small and medium enterprises on training and business for a,” said Lorer.
A new approach in the relations between the two countries, as announced by Prime Ministers Dimitar Kovachevski and Kiril Petkov, takes off with Tuesday’s meeting of the working group on economy, trade and innovation. The two governments set up four working groups, including a working group on economy, trade and innovation, a working group on infrastructure, transport and connection, a working group focusing on European integration and green policies, and a working group on culture, education and science. Historical issues will be discussed by the current Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues.
Source:MIA
