Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said complete construction of Corridor X is a commitment of the Government so that the country maintains its strategic position in Europe. In addition, he noted, the Government is investing hundreds of millions in the construction of the railway and road infrastructure of Corridor VIII.
“Currently, Corridor X in Europe is the most economically profitable and most business is concentrated on it. It is true that Corridor IV is a competitor, but Corridor X still has an advantage if it is fully completed by 2031-2032 as planned. Why do I say this? Some time ago, there was a protest by transporters, the borders were closed. Some of the most affected countries were Bulgaria and Greece, and Croatia was also very affected. Transporters started transiting along Corridor IV and realized that transportation is much more expensive for them, because the road is more than 600 km longer compared to Corridor X. If Corridor X is not fully built, they will drive 600 km more because they will have no choice. We must use the moment and the advantage that we have in terms of location,” Nikoloski said in an interview with Kanal 77.
The Deputy PM also mentioned the advantage the country currently has over its neighbors in the construction and development of Corridor VIII.
“We have completed the first phase of the railway to Bulgaria. The Kumanovo – Beljakovce section has been in operation since last January. Work is underway on the Beljakovce – Kriva Palanka section with good dynamics. We are working with the European Investment Bank on announcing the call for the construction of the third section. I expect the call for supervision to be announced next week, and the call for construction to follow in the next two to three weeks, and we should see activities on the ground by late summer, early autumn,” said Nikoloski.
