Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski called for a solution to the transporters issue and enabling free flow of goods without any delays or obstacles at Wednesday’s business forum at the Economic Chamber.
The Deputy PM also highlighted the issue of unfair competition regarding tenders for infrastructure projects within the EU. He pointed out that the largest contracts are being awarded to companies from China and India rather than European firms. Nikoloski believes that taxpayers’ money should not flow out of the region but should instead, as he put it, circulate through the economy within the Union.
“I think we are discussing an absurdity. In the 21st century, with established liberalization measures and a candidate country that has already begun EU accession negotiations, we are having to discuss whether a Macedonian transport operator, upon getting into their truck, has to count the days, hours, and minutes. If we face unfair competition on one hand while lacking the free flow of goods and commodities on the other, then there is no point in discussing anything at all. Conversely, if we resolve these two issues, the opportunities are immense,” Deputy PM Nikoloski noted.
