The President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Fatih Ulusoj. The meeting, attended by prominent member companies of the Chamber, focused on exchanging views regarding the traditionally friendly bilateral relations, emphasizing the enhancement of economic cooperation, fostering trade, and encouraging investments.

President Azeski expressed the Chamber’s dedication to improving economic ties between the two countries, motivating new Turkish investments in our country, and increasing trade volume, which is already at a significant level. Türkiye is among the top ten trade partners of North Macedonia. He highlighted the role and contributions of Turkish investors to the country’s overall development, describing them as constructive drivers of economic processes who bring positive corporate values and integrate well into the local system.

"In the coming period, we need to focus on creating the necessary conditions for intensifying cooperation between businesses in both countries, utilizing all potentials to foster economic progress and encourage more Turkish investments in the country," said Azeski.

Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoj affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to remaining a constructive partner and supporter of our country on both bilateral and multilateral levels. He emphasized the comprehensive support Türkiye has provided since the very beginning of the Macedonian independence and reiterated the commitment to further advancing relations in all areas of mutual interest.

He expressed satisfaction with the exceptional progress in tourism, noting that the majority of foreign tourists visiting our country come from Türkiye, with over 200,000 annually. Meanwhile, approximately 50,000 Macedonian tourists visit Türkiye each year.

"The importance of Turkish investments to the country's economic development is evident, with over $1.8 billion in direct investments from Türkiye to date, employing more than 10,000 local workers," said Ambassador Ulusoj.

Representatives of companies with significant Turkish capital in our country shared their perspectives and offered recommendations for improving the current situation and enhancing economic relations between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to encourage Turkish companies to invest in North Macedonia, address challenges they face, explore the possibility of updating the free trade agreement, facilitate Macedonian companies' participation in trade missions and fairs in Türkiye, and organize a Macedonian-Turkish business forum involving companies from both countries in the near future.