English
“We are implementing an ambitious agenda regarding the country’s infrastructure development. We are building new highways and railways, thereby creating a competitive environment to attract new investors, while also striving to retain existing ones,” stated Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, during a meeting with the German Chamber of Commerce and the Macedonian-German Business Association.
“We are doing our utmost to ensure a favorable climate for foreign direct investors in the country. Furthermore, we aim to encourage new investors to enter the market. Regarding future plans, we have launched a highly ambitious infrastructure investment campaign—one that significantly exceeds standard investment-to-GDP ratios or typical budgetary allocations. If you examine capital investments funded by the state budget, as well as those undertaken by fully state-owned public enterprises, you will see that the vast majority are directed precisely toward this sector,” Nikoloski told the company representatives present.
He added that work is underway on the railway connection for Corridor 8 and on highway sections along the corridors, and announced the construction of new express roads.
“Currently, there is an open call regarding the third section of the railway connection with Bulgaria.” “The tender has been published by the European Union’s Public Procurement Department—in the most transparent manner possible. It will remain open for four months; we deliberately set a longer timeframe to avoid any subsequent claims that a tender bid could not be prepared within a month or two. We also expect German companies to participate. This is being carried out with the EU, as part of the Growth Plan for the development of the central section of Corridor 8. The first phase involves the reconstruction and modernization of the railway line running through Skopje, Jegunovce, Tetovo, and Gostivar. The second phase covers the Gostivar–Kičevo section, while the third involves the construction of an entirely new segment—which does not currently exist—stretching from Kičevo to Ohrid, Struga, and the border with Albania. Furthermore, provided we secure funding, I expect that by next year we will have two major projects underway in the eastern part of the country: two large expressways designed to connect us with the Republic of Bulgaria. One route runs from Kocani–Vinica–Delcevo to the Bulgarian border, and the second from Radoviš–Strumica–Novoselo to the Bulgarian border. These represent additional opportunities opening up before us,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski.