We are implementing an ambitious agenda regarding the country’s infrastructure development. We are building new motorways and railways, thereby creating competitive conditions for new investors to enter, while also striving to retain existing ones, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said during a meeting with the German Chamber of Commerce and the Macedonian-German Business Association.
“We are doing our utmost to ensure a favorable environment for foreign direct investors in the country. Furthermore, we aim to attract new investors. Regarding future plans, we have launched a highly ambitious infrastructure investment campaign, one that significantly exceeds standard investment ratios relative to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or the state budget. If you examine capital investments funded by the 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 representatives of the companies present.
The Deputy PM added that work is underway on the railway connection for Corridor VIII and on motorway sections along the corridors, and announced the construction of new expressways.
“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, ensuring the highest possible level of transparency.
The process spans four months; we intentionally set a longer timeframe to preempt any 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 branch of Corridor VIII. 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–Kichevo section, while the third entails the construction of an entirely new segment, which does not currently exist, stretching from Kichevo through Ohrid and Struga to 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 Kochani through Vinica and Delchevo to the Bulgarian border, while the second runs from Radovish through Strumica and Novo Selo to the Bulgarian border. These represent additional opportunities opening up for us,” noted Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski.