On February 1st, in Skopje, a Business Round Table “Economic Dialogue 2022” between government representatives and 15 different chambers from the Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Bulgaria was held. The meeting followed the official talks between the two Government representatives’ part of the newly established working group on Economy, Trade and Innovation.
At the round table, hosted by the Minister of Finance, Fatmir Besimi from North Macedonia and by the Minister of Investment and Growth of the Republic of Bulgaria, Daniel Lorer and accompanied by North Macedonia Deputy Prime Minister – Mr. Fatmir Bityqy, the future joint path towards improvement of the existing economic relations on both sides of the border was discussed.
The business round table was attended by Mr. Dragan Davitkov, AmCham North Macedonia BoD President and Petar T. Ivanov, CEO, AmCham Bulgaria, being the only representatives from the same network from both countries.
Mr. Davitkov welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of using positive business examples to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, at the same time continuing to be the driving force for enhanced regional growth and development of the local business eco-systems. He mentioned that both AmChams – North Macedonia and Bulgaria – are already working together to give their ideas and stake for the success of this process.
Mr. Ivanov emphasized on the fact that the progress demonstrated by both governments so far has surprised many observers. Based on the accumulated knowledge on both sides of the border, such initiative can prosper. He said that only by working together, the economic development between both countries will be successful. Such efforts require input from all stakeholders, and their support.
This cooperation between the two chambers comes as result of the previously held bilateral meeting between their Board of Directors and is part of AmCham North Macedonia strategy for fostering business connections with all its neighboring countries.
About the roundtable
At the round table at Skopje were present representatives of some of the bilateral and industrial associations from Bulgaria and North Macedonia. On Bulgarian side the event was attended by American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services and Technology (AIBEST), Bulgarian Association of Information Technologies (BAIT), Bulgarian-Macedonian Business Club, Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce, Bulgarian-Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Confindustria Bulgaria, and the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On North-Macedonian side the round table was attended by Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Economic Chamber of North – West Macedonia, AmCham North Macedonia, German Industry and Commerce in North Macedonia, Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, MASIT ICT Chamber of Commerce, and Macedonian Chambers of Commerce.
