In the third episode of the podcast Business Club, the President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, speaks with Mitko Janchev, M.Sc., a representative of the younger generation of businesspeople and a successful mayor who skillfully combines his roles as a business owner, municipal leader, and political figure.

In the conversation with Janchev, owner and manager of DPTU Kozuvcanka from Kavadarci—Macedonia's first private water production company—and a businessman with a strong sense of social responsibility, they discuss the necessity for the state to set strategic goals for business development and the importance of quality infrastructure, particularly in developing railway transport.

“The state must establish strategic goals in production to foster business development, utilize its own products, and reduce dependency on imports while increasing export orientation. It is neither healthy nor productive for ministries to use foreign products and services in tenders instead of domestic ones since it’s all funded with our money. Total reliance on imports rather than local products leads to GDP collapse, reduced liquidity, and a decrease in foreign currency inflows,” emphasized Mayor and businessperson Janchev.

Mitko Janchev, M.Sc., graduated from the Goce Delchev University in Shtip as a geological engineer and completed his master’s studies in technical sciences, specializing in petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry at the same university. At the age of 23, he took over as the manager of his company after the unexpected passing of his father, the company's founder. Today, the company's success is built upon new management standards introduced by Janchev, attracting global brands like Germany's Sinalco.

During the conversation with President Azeski, Janchev highlighted the importance of solid infrastructure as a foundation for business growth in the country and emphasized the role of the Economic Chamber in shaping his identity as a businessman.

“The state should focus on infrastructure, particularly railway development, which would reduce costs for companies importing intermediates daily from the Port of Thessaloniki, which would ensure more competitive pricing in the markets of the Open Balkan countries and the EU. This would support export-oriented companies in the Kavadarci region, such as IGM Kavadarci, Golden Nickel, and Dräxlmaier,” noted Janchev.

Janchev perceives the Economic Chamber as an integral part of his company, which has helped him grow as a businessman and promote his business. He has served as a member of the Chamber's Management Board and as president of the Regional Chamber in Kavadarci.

“Membership in the Economic Chamber gave me the confidence to associate with authoritative individuals who lead large, successful companies, including you, as president. Sitting at the same table with them, I drew positives and learned from their experiences,” said Janchev.

Since 2017, Mitko Janchev, M.Sc., has served as the mayor of the Municipality of Kavadarci, successfully managing the municipality and supporting numerous sports, cultural, and artistic events, as well as educational initiatives through various funds and donations. His contributions earned him recognition as the first mayor in Southeast Europe to receive the prestigious Personality Award for Southeast Europe in the fields of economy and Europeanization of the Balkans.

The full conversation with Mitko Janchev, M.Sc., can be found at the link below.