British agro producers interested in Macedonian market

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupco Dimovski met in London with British Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Heath, urging UK businessmen to invest in Macedonia due to the benefits it offers, especially in the agriculture sector.

"Our doors are open for investments in production or distribution centers for agriculture products", said Dimovski after the meeting.

Minister Dimovski said Macedonia has harmonized regulations in line with EU requirements, achieving standards acceptable for the strict European market.

"The country's climate and soil enable quality agriculture products with a characteristic aroma, color and taste. The Government has implemented stimulative measures, whereas exports of Macedonian agriculture products has doubled, mainly at EU markets. We hope the quality will result in our increased presence at the British market", he added.

Minister Heath said British producers have shown interest for entry at the Macedonian market, while the UK market is open for Macedonian wine.

He stressed that UK-Macedonia relations are good, but there is room for increased cooperation. Heath offered support for improvement of the food quality and safety, as well as improvement of measures towards increased output.

Minister Dimovski was accompanied in London by Food and Veterinary Agency director Dejan Runtevski.

British Business Group Opens New Office in Skopje

The British Business Group (BBG), whose main objective is to facilitate trade links between businessmen from the United Kingdom and Macedonia, has opened Wednesday a new office in Skopje. The Prince Michael of Kent was also in attendance at the event.
"Up until now, it was difficult for us to make contacts and to be reached, but as of now we get new premises where Macedonian entrepreneurs can come and collect information on establishing business contacts in the UK as well as British businessmen who are interested to launch a business in Macedonia," the BBG's Chairman, Ray Power stated.
He said he was satisfied with the visit of the top business delegation, led by Prince Michael of Kent, which has been visiting Macedonia upon an invitation by the BBG in the past few days.
"The goal was the British delegation to learn about the investment opportunities in Macedonia and to establish business contacts with Macedonian businessmen. Time is needed a final decision to be reached when it comes to investments. However, it is necessary to underline that significant efforts were made last year in analysing the economic situation for this business visit. I hope that concrete results from this visit will be evident before the summer," Ray Power said.
The British Business Group has been functioning for six years in Macedonia mainly on voluntary basis. As of this year, BBG members will start paying membership fees. The office will cover Macedonia and similar offices will be opened in other countries in the region if it makes successful projects. Several activities will be conducted this year aimed at attracting fresh British investments in Macedonia and organising a visit to London for Macedonian businessmen.