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Tunisian company to build factory near Kavadarci

Tunisian company, partner of Germany's Dräxlmaier, intends to build a plant in Kavadarci, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters on Sunday.

"The company representatives have already visited Macedonia and according to their statements thus far it is certain that the Tunisian company will come to the country to manufacture certain parts for Dräxlmaier", Gruevski said during his visit to Kavadarci region.

The PM said he couldn't reveal the company's name yet.

"The Tunisians are Dräxlmaier's business partners, and open own factories wherever Dräxlmaier does in favor of reducing the transportation costs," Gruevski said.

He also announced that a UAE investor would built a fruit distribution center in Resen.

This center will give momentum to the agriculture in Prespa region, bolstering the export of apples and other fruits, especially in the Middle-East countries, the PM said. 

Matka Divers find church foundations

Divers of speleo-diving club "Vrelo" and diving club "Akvatek" found Sunday remains of foundations, believed to be of an old Macedonian church, during their underwater expedition in the waters of lake Matka near Skopje.

The campaign aimed at researching and documenting the lake bottom structure.

"Prior to the construction of the Matka dam, the so-called Road of Strength was located here, which linked Macedonia's northeast with the southwest. We wanted to locate, research and map all archaeological sites, which are now under water", said Vrelo president Kiro Angeleski.

The campaign was also environmental, with divers mapping waste locations that are set to be cleaned.

The campaign is part the 2013 global programme GUWAA (Global Under Water Awareness Association).

Macedonian Airports hit record passanger traffic

According to the statistical data by the operator TAV Macedonia, the number of transported passengers via both Macedonian airports in October increased by 37.6 percent compared to the same month last year, marking the highest monthly growth thus far.

A total of 88.992 passengers flew via Skopje Alexander the Great Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, TAV Macedonia says.

The number of flights has gone up for 15.1 percent, while the cargo services increased for 4.9 percent in comparison to October 2012.

Istanbul has been the most popular destination in January-October 2013, followed by Vienna, Zurich, London and Malmo.

Lonely Planet puts Macedonia in top 10 countries to visit for 2014

Populat tourist guide Lonely Planet has put Macedonia as the in the top best countries to visit for 2014. It's #9 to be precise, while the top spot went to Brazil.

In its guide, Lonely Planet describes the Macedonian capital as becoming increasingly visitor-friendly, with a bevy of cool new hostels, upscale wine bars and bistros, and one of southeastern Europe’s best club scenes.

Beyond Skopje and the more established tourist sites such as Lake Ohrid, Mavrovo ski area and ancient Stobi, new things are happening elsewhere. Quiet Berovo, near the border with Bulgaria, is an up-and-coming contender on the spa-hotel scene.

- Also in Macedonia’s idyllic eastern half, sturdy old Kratovo – with Ottoman-era stone bridges and cobblestone lanes – is revitalising previously derelict Turkish mansions, attesting the bygone wealth of this old mining town. And in the arid central vineyard region of Tikveš, new quality wineries are catering to thirsty visitors - concludes Lonely Planet.

Archeological excavations at Crkviste site continue

Excavations at the archaeological site of Crkviste in the Kumanovo village of Klecovce will resume with financial support still being provided by the Ministry of Culture, it was announced on Wednesday.

"For us it is crucial the site to be discovered, restored and put into function as a cultural tourism attraction. One of the main priorities of the ministry and the government in general is the preservation of cultural heritage at archaeological sites. The ministry through its annual programme singles out funds for excavations across the country," stated Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska.

She announced that more finances would be set aside for excavations at Crkviste next year.

The archaeological site of Crkviste - one of the oldest buildings unearthed in Macedonia - is a large church complex with 35 meters of length and 13 meters of width. It is located in the vicinity of Kokino. 

Jinping-Ivanov: China prepared to give Macedonia a hand

People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia have achieved the highest level of bilateral relations, agreed countries' Presidents Xi Jinping and Gjorge Ivanov on Tuesday, MIA reports from Beijing.

"Our political relations have intensified over the past two decades, which is seen by the high-level meetings, progress and mutual cooperation in diverse areas. China is prepared to give Macedonia a hand towards accelerated development of bilateral relations", said Chinese President Jinping at the meeting.

He announced cooperation with Macedonia in construction and infrastructure projects, agriculture and other sectors - education, culture, Chinese traditional medicine - thus stimulating swift development of bilateral relations.

President Ivanov also stressed that bilateral relations have reached the highest level thus far.

Interlocutors referred to the cooperation established over the past 20 years of diplomatic ties, multilateral support in global terms, bilateral support in international organizations, economic cooperation etc.

"We agreed that political cooperation has intensified to the highest level through meetings between Presidents, PMs, Parliament Speakers", said Ivanov.

Pertaining to economic cooperation, the presidents stressed it has intensified over the years, resulting in the lowering of the trade deficit.

"We showed interest for increased presence of Macedonian products at the Chinese market. In this context, we mentioned the initiative put forward by the Chinese PM over the opening of a free zone for Chinese companies in Macedonia", added Ivanov.

He also referred to the US$10 billion pool that China has allocated for infrastructure projects in Central nd Eastern Europe.

"Macedonia is the first country to finalize its project. Following an approval by the Parliament, Macedonia will be able to use the funds for the construction of motorways Miladinovci-Stip and Ohrid-Kicevo", said Ivanov.

Interlocutors also tackled the initiative over the use of Chinese traditional medicine in Macedonia's health system.

On Wednesday, President Ivanov will attend the opening of the 14. Western China International Fair in Chengdu, where he is set to deliver an address titled "Balanced Development and Common Prosperity".

Kromberg & Schubert plant opens

Plant of German company Kromberg & Schubert opened in Bitola industrial zone Zabeni on Friday. The investment is estimated at EUR 20 million, opening 2,500 jobs.

The plant opens after a one-year construction and training of employees. It is comprised of four operational units - cables, networks, plastic technology and mechatronics.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said the Government has done everything to develop the Zabeni industrial zone, in order to meet the investor's requirements and needs.

"The result of these activities was positive, since the company confirmed its interest in the competition of many countries, selecting Macedonia as the destination of their investment, worth over EUR 20 million", said PM Gruevski.

According to him, the significance and benefits from the entry of "Kromberg and Schubert" in Macedonia are indisputable, since the company secures new jobs and contributes to increase of exports.

"The entire Pelagonija region has already felt the benefits from this factory. There have been numerous job ads, with more than 800 people already employed in the plant. Another 200 jobs are to open by the year-end, another 1,000 in 2014, and gradually up to 2,500 by the end of 2015", added Gruevski.

He added the company would contribute to Macedonia's global exports.

"The cooperation with Kromberg & Schubert represents a foundation for further strengthening of economic and political relations with Germany, which is one of Macedonia's most significant partners. The company is well-respected at the world market, which is excellent for our country in being perceived as a favorable and attractive business destination. That is why I believe the presence of Kromberg & Schubert will draw other similar companies to invest in Macedonia", underlined PM Gruevski.

Kromberg & Schubert" is a German family firm with a 100-year-long history. With over thousands of employees around the world, the firm produces hi-tech products, such as  on-board networks, cables, plastic technology and mechatronics.

32nd Skopje Jazz Festival kicks off

The 32nd Skopje Jazz Festival kicks off on Thursday evening with performances by the British-Slovenian duo Evan Parker and Zlatko Kaucic and the UK band 'Get The Blessing".

The festival, which runs till Oct. 21, offers current and renowned acts from the global jazz scene, its director Oliver Belopeta told a press conference on Tuesday.

The opening day is dedicated to British jazz as a way to mark 20 years of friendship between Macedonia and the UK. One of the most prominent jazz musicians in the world, saxophonist Evan Parker will perform in Macedonia for the first time together with Slovenian improviser Zlatko Kaucic. The second act of the evening is Get The Blessing, lauded as one of UK's best live bands.

Sidsel Endresen and Stian Westerhus from Norway and The Abercrombie Quartet from the United States are slated to perform on Friday.

The Balkan premiere of the project "Balkan Fever", presenting Vlatko Stefanovski, Miroslav Tadic and Theodosii Spassov at a concert together with the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra, will take place on Saturday.

Jazz icon Roscoe Mitchell and his trio and legendary jazz singer Cassandra Wilson with Harriet Tubman music collective are scheduled to perform on Sunday.

The festival's final day is reserved for the Paris-based Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and one of the jazz’s greatest bass players Dave Holland.

Macedonians in Albania urge opening of Consulate in Korca

Representatives of Macedonians in Albania urged President Gjorge Ivanov at Thursday's meeting in Pogradec over the opening of a Macedonian consulate in Korca.

"We ask that the Korca consulate has the required administration, so that we are not forced to travel to Tirana for embassy services", says Vasil Sterjovski, secretary-general of the Macedonian Alliance for European Integration.

According to him, a Macedonian consulate in Korca is of exceptional significance, since it is the administrative city of the namesake municipality, including a population of 220,000.

"Korca also includes areas populated by Macedonians. This consulate will maintain closer contacts with the Macedonian people in the region, who are severely hit by the Greek and Bulgarian propaganda", adds Sterjovski.

According to him, there is a Greek consulate in Korca, although there are no Greeks in the area.

"This consulate is working on the assimilation of Vlachs, Albanians, Roma, and Macedonians", stresses Sterjovski.

Gruevski congratulates citizens October 11, People's Uprising day

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski extended Thursday greetings on October 11 - People's Uprising Day.

"This day symbolizes the people's struggle for freedom, which put an end to the fascist occupation, a day symbolizing the great victory based on the values of freedom and human dignity", says PM Gruevski.

The struggle put Macedonia on the victorious side - the grand coalition of European countries fighting for peace, freedom, democracy and respect of human rights.

"By celebrating this day and remembering the victims, we bow before the altar of all fallen fighters for free and independent Macedonia, resuming our efforts to create new deeds and values", says Gruevski.

He adds that October 11 pays homage to a glorious part of the country's history, which gives inspiration for success, perseverance and personal sacrifice towards the progress and development of modern Macedonia.

Macedonians to wake up with freezing temperatures

Due to cold front across the country, Macedonia will wake up on Friday and this weekend seeing temperatures beloe zero degrees.

Morning temperatures will drop to -3 to 5, reaching up to 10 degrees during the day.

Sar Mountain has already seen its first snow which usually is a precursor for longer, colder winter.

Traditional rice harvesting begins in Kocani

The 22nd international manifestation "Days of Kocani Rice" resumed Sunday by traditional rice harvesting, presentation of agricultural machinery, home handicraft products and food prepared from rice. Agriculture Minister Ljupco Dimovski attended the event, who said that rice production in Macedonia has long tradition.

It is very important since it satisfies the needs of home market, it is export-oriented and engages numerous labour force for its production. Rice production notes increase in areas and quantities from 2008 to 2013 by 80% and in produced rice by 50%, Dimovski said.

This year rice producers will receive subsidies for a hectare of planted area from the programme for financial support in agriculture, Dimovski said. In regard to the cooperation with the Turkish International Co-operation Agency (TIKA), Dimovski said that project is being worked on for development of rice production which plans to promote highly productive types of rice.

Macedonia and Czech Republic sign Economic Cooperation Agreement

Macedonia and the Czech Republic signed Wednesday a protocol defining the guidelines of the countries' economic and trade relations as part of the first-ever two-day session of the mixed committee for bilateral economic cooperation.

Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Milan Hovorka and Macedonia's Deputy Economy Minister Hristijan Delev signed the document and also served as co-chairs of the session, MIA reports from Prague.

At a meeting, they reviewed the potentials of the countries' economies and discussed future agreements for cooperation that are of mutual interest.

The joint committee comes as a result of the agreement on economic and industrial cooperation between the Macedonian and Czech governments signed in 2010.

"We are aware that we need to create an environment in which an economic cooperation will be enabled. Our objective is to establish a framework in which Czech and Macedonian companies will function as partners," Deputy Minister Hovorka told local media.

Underscoring his country's support for Macedonia's EU integration bid, the Czech Minister said the mixed committee discussed ways for providing assistance considering the fact that the Czech Republic was an EU member.

"The Czech Republic wants concrete cooperation with Macedonia in areas in which our EU integration experience would be of mutual interest, because sooner or later nothing will stand in the way between Macedonian manufacturers and their competitors in the Union," Hovorka stressed.

The Czech official added that huge potentials for cooperation existed in the field of energy, renewable resources, automotive industry, environment and agriculture.

During his visit to Prague, Deputy Minister Delev met with businessmen to promote Macedonia's investment opportunities.

The Macedonian delegation also paid a visit to the Czech automotive industry "Skoda" to meet with the company's management.

Mavrovo Church among World's most beautiful abandoned churches

The abandoned church at the Mavrovo Lake heads the list of the most beautiful abandoned churches in the world, compiled by U.S. website "Huffington Post".

In the article titled "Abandoned Churches are Eerily Beautiful", there are photos from such churches from the United States, Belgium, Cambodia, France and Ireland.

"Though churches are normally places where people gather for spiritual fellowship, confession, or for quiet contemplation, these sacred spaces have been abandoned to the elements, their naves and pews standing silent and empty. Nonetheless, they still have a haunting beauty which comes through in these awesome photos", reads the comment.

Macedonia - Kosovo flow of goods normalized

Economy Minister Valon Saraqini and Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski paid a visit early Sunday to Blace border crossing to see first-hand if the free flow of goods, services and people between Macedonia and Kosovo has been reestablished.

Kosovo has ended the embargo for Macedonian products, prompting the removal of the entry fee for Kosovo citizens, as well as the truck blockades of "Makamtrans" at Jazince and Blace border crossings.

"I am pleased to say that misunderstandings between Kosovo and Macedonia have been overcome. This means that flow of goods, services and movement of people from both countries is ongoing without any restrictions. My top priority was finding a solution and overcoming of the situation, and this has been achieved as a result of the efforts by the countries' governments", said Minister Saraqini after the visit.

According to him, Kosovo and Macedonia are significant partners and it is in the interest of both countries to strengthen political and economic relations.

Number of passangers at Macedonia's airports continues to rise

The number of passengers passing through the two Macedonian airports in August increased by 20.5% compared to the same month last year, new figures show released by TAV Macedonia - the operator of the Skopje-based "Alexander the Great" airport and "St. Paul the Apostle" airport in Ohrid.

The Skopje airport handled 115,023 passengers, up 23.1%, while the Ohrid airport was used by 16,463 passengers i.e. 131,486 passed through the two airports.

In the first eight months of 2013, compared to the same period last year, an increase in the number of passengers was recorded - a total of 732,831 people, up 17.5%. There has been also a rise in the number of flights. 8,489 operations of aircrafts were realized between January and August, which is a 9.9% increase compared to the same period in 2012. A significant increase of 16.2% was registered in August in comparison to the same month last year.

This increase comes as a result of introducing several additional flights per week by Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines and Fly Dubai. During the summer season, flight were being realized weekly to popular tourist destinations, such as Antalya and Izmir and Sicily.

Istanbul followed by Vienna, London and Malmo were the most popular destinations from the Skopje airport in August, stated the press release. Istanbul, Vienna, Zurich, London and Ljubljana were the top five destinations between January and August. Most of the passengers traveled with Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Adria Airways and Pegasus Airlines.

Macedonia and UNMIK-Kosovo protectorate entering into an open trade war

Brussels reacts over the Macedonian-Kosovo dispute after the newly-formed Balkan country has reached a decision to ban the import of certain products from Macedonia, MIA reports from Brussels.

On Monday, the European Commission urged the parties involved in the dispute - which is turning into an embargo for Macedonian products in Kosovo as Macedonia is introducing fees for all Kosovo citizens entering the country - to abide by the obligations stemming from the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

"We aim to clarify the measures reported recently and we expect the parties to abide by their obligations stemming from the Central European Free Trade Agreement," EC spokesman Peter Stano told media.

In July, Macedonia imposed a measure to limit the import of wheat and flour from all members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), including Kosovo, in an effort to protect domestic production.

The spokesman declined to say whether the EU would make any direct attempts in order to settle the trade dispute between Macedonia and Kosovo.

MINA's sources in Prishtina say the trade embargo in Kosovo is unfluenced by drug lord Moni Karliu who is known as a major wheat producer in NATO's protectorate.  He is also known as one of the biggest drug dealers in the Balkans and has most of Kosovo's parliament members on his payroll. Unhappy with Macedonian measure to limit wheat imports into the country, Karliu pressured the Kosovo government to impose counter measures. Similar thing happened between Kosovo and Albania few years ago.

This morning chaos on the Macedonian Kosovo border as Kosovo put the ramp on all Macedonian trucks entering the protectorate. 

The Macedonian Government is looking at imposing visas on Kosovo residents as a counter measure.

Traditional climbing to Mt. Golem Korab - on the independence day of Macedonia

More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152164996249018.1073741828.38395344017&type=1

Happy Independence day

Skopje City Walk: a self-guided tour around Skopje

The printed version of the Skopje City Walk is available for purchase in the city center of Skopje. The price is 200 denari (£2.70 / €3.20 / $4.25). There is also a digital version available for $2,99 (provided by the Dutch fans of City of Skopje, Sanne and Linda). Scroll down for more information on the e-book.

Points of sale print version in Skopje

- National Museum, Ulica Drvarska in the old historical center (Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00)

- Souvenir kiosks on several locations in the city center (Daily 10:00-22:00)
- Porta Makedonija, Ulica 11 Oktomvri next to the main square (Daily 09:00-21:00)
- Bookshop Kultura, Ulica Makedonija 51 (directly at the central square) (Daily 09:00-18:00)

Digital version

The digital version of the Skopje City Walk is available on the website of Smashwords, as epub, pdf, kindle, rtf, lrf and pdb.

On the website of Smashwords, you can view the first part of Skopje City Walk for free. If it made you enthusiastic, you can purchase the e-book for only $2.99.

E-book Skopje City Walk
(Also available in Dutch: E-book Stadswandeling Skopje)

More information at: http://www.skopjecitywalk.com/

Gruevski-Miller: Macedonia-part of Gazprom's development plans

Russian energy giant Gazprom is interested in cooperating with Macedonia, which is already part of the company's development plans, Gazprom President Aleksey Miller said Wednesday at a meeting with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

Gazprom is also interested to review possibilities for other future investments in Macedonia, Miller said.

Gruevski and Miller discussed on the further realization of the South Stream project and concrete steps for its setting into operation, the Government said in a press release.

On July 23, Macedonia signed an agreement with the Russian Federation on cooperation in the construction of an offshoot of the South Stream gas pipeline in a bid to provide long-term gas supply in the country.

Construction works for South Stream have been already launched and the project is expected to be completed in 2018.

Confucius Institute opens within SS. Cyril and Methodius University

President Gjorge Ivanov and Education Minister Spiro Ristovski are to attend Tuesday formal opening of Confucius Institute within SS. Cyril and Methodius University.

The establishment of Confucius Institute is in partnership between the SS. Cyril and Methodius University and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) in Chengdu, the People's Republic of China and is a result of strengthening the cooperation in education between Macedonia and China. 

Ohrid Lake stocked with 100,000 endemic trout

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Ljupco Dimovski attended Saturday the stocking of Ohrid Lake with 100.000 endemic trout offspring.

Since 2006 until present day around 14 million trout offspring were stocked in the lake for which around Denar 35 million were invested, Dimovski said.

He said that approximately 2.1 million trout offspring are planned to be stocked for this year and the activity will be wrapped up by end of next month.

He also emphasised that same activities of trout stocking are being carried out also from the Albanian side.

The stocking of Ohrid Lake is carried out in line with the programme for artificial spawning process. In 1935, a breeding program was established to artificially spawn and hatch the native trout in order to support the natural recruitment of Lake Ohrid trout. Since then, the lake has been stocked with more than 450 million young trout in different stages of development.

Skopje Clinic gets new equipment, medical results in 1/2 hour

Macedonia's Government has been investing over EUR 100 million in the health care system in order to provide high-quality medical service to citizens, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Friday at a promotion of new EUR 700.000-worth-equipment for the Skopje City Hospital '8 September'.

The new up-to-date equipment will be put at service to all citizens who need help. the PM said, adding that a new group of eight US doctors would be soon engaged in this hospital to train their Macedonian colleagues.

"All ongoing activities for modernization turn this medical center into one of the largest in Macedonia," Gruevski said.

With the new equipment the '8 September' hospital will be able to offer high-quality health care services to citizens, Health Minister Nikola Todorov said.

Macedonia to replace decades old trains with New

Rainfalls expected on Wednesday

Rainfalls will gain in intensity this afternoon and turn into heavy showers on Wednesday, accompanied by thunderstorms and 60km/h-wind, Skopje's Weather Office reported earlier today.

Moderately cloudy weather with local rain is expected to prevail in the next few days.

Macedonia's Culture Minister visits Heraklea

Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska, Bitola mayor Vladimir Taleski and the director of the Office for Cultural Heritage Protection, Viktor Lilcic visited Friday the archaeological site of Heraclea where numerous important artefacts have been discovered recently.

Heraclea, founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC, is part of the capital projects funded by the government due to its immense significance, the Ministry of Culture says in a press release.

This year's archaeological excavations in Heraclea, financed by the Culture Ministry, include a research of the new basilica from the early Christian period. Its size confirms the importance of this ancient city as a developed center in the early period of Christianity. A fully-preserved beautiful mosaic have been unearthed during the excavation process.

"These mosaics, which make Heraclea so famous, are an exciting discovery and are immensely significant in enriching Macedonia's archaeological science," she said.

Over 400 artefacts, many fragments of frescoes, ceramic bowls as well as coins have been found during excavations conducted this year.

Macedonia opens new Tech Development Zone in Štip

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Vice-Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski, TIDZ Director Viktor Mizo and Stip Mayor Ilco Zahariev opened Friday in Stip a new technological-industrial development zone (TIDZ).

A lot has been done since the 2010 cornerstone-laying ceremony for the TIDZ Stip, which is now ready to welcome all potential investors from this region, Gruevski said at the opening ceremony.

He expressed belief that very soon many factories would be erected in the zone, which means a lot of new jobs and substantial contribution to the development of eastern Macedonia.

US "Johnson Controls" has already broken the ice in TIDZ Stip, choosing the zone as a location for its second plant in Macedonia.

TIDZ Stip has road connections to Skopje and Kocani through M5 interstate and connections with the planned cargo airport in Stip through M6 interstate. The national rail station is 2.5 km away from the location and the nearest international airport Alexander the Great in Skopje is 75 km away. The nearest sea port - the one in Solun - is 225 km away from TIDZ Stip.

In addition to the TIDZs in Skopje (1 and 2) and in Stip and Tetovo, technological development zones are also planned in Strumica, Radovis, Delcevo Vinica, Berovo, Prilep, Kicevo, Gevgelija...

By this project the Government's is planning to cover all regions in Macedonia it believes will attract new investments, Gruevski said.

Simon Trpceski to perform in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil

World-renowned pianist Simon Trpceski will hold his first-ever solo concert in Mexico City on Thursday.

"It's really beautiful here, Mexican people have similar mentality with Macedonians and hopefully I will have the chance to learn more about their culture," Trpceski had stated.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his performance, the pianist paid tribute to one of Mexico's greatest poets, José Emilio Pacheco, who is this year's recipient of the Golden Wreath awarded by the Struga Poetry Evenings.

From Mexico, Trpceski departs for Medellin, Colombia for another debut solo performance on Saturday.

His tour resumes in Brazil, which includes three performances in the capital Sao Paulo.

Trpceski in early September will perform as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Macedonian pianist kicked off his new concert season early this month with performances at music festivals in Montenegro and Norway.

His latest CD with a recording of his recital at Wigmore Hall in London has been proclaimed best release of the week by Classic FM radio in London.

Macedonian Natl Park Mavrovo cleaned this weekend

Macedonia's turnover industry rises

Macedonia's turnover index in industry in the period between January and June 2013, compared to the same period last year, rose by 6.9%. In June 2013 in comparison with June 2012, the index of industry turnover increased by 14.9%, the State Statistical Office said on Thursday.

The index of domestic turnover in industry in June 2013, in comparison with June 2012, decreased by 6.3%, and the index of  non-domestic turnover in industry increased by 27.7%.

The turnover index in industry in the section mining and quarrying in June 2013, in comparison with June 2012, was at the same level, while it increased by 15.8% in the section manufacturing industry.

The turnover index by Main Industrial Groupings in June 2013, in comparison with June 2012, was higher in Energy by 53.4%, Intermediate goods industries, except energy by 1.9%, Capital goods industries by 67.2% and Non-durable consumer goods industries by 9.9%, but lower in Durable consumer goods industries by 19.6%.

June's turnover in industry compared to May 2013 dropped by 5.1%.

Globex builds first facility at Cojlija industrial zone

A ceremony on Wednesday marked the start of construction of the first facility at the multifunctional industrial zone Cojlija - a logistics center which is an investment by the company Globeks DOO Skopje. 

"One million euros will be invested in the logistics center and initially 30 new jobs are set to be opened, out of the planned 360 employments," Minister of Transportation and Communications Mile Janakieski said at the ground-breaking ceremony.

The facility is being built on an area of 7,000 square meters and is supposed to be completed in the first quarter of 2014.

65 lots in Cojlija industrial zone - the biggest in Macedonia - have been sold so far and cornerstones for some of the planned investments are expected to be laid in due time, according to Janakieski.

"It is expected Cojlija in two to three years' time to be turned into a real construction site and an industrial zone where thousands of people from the municipality of Petrovec and its region will be employed," the minister stressed.

The government, he added, in cooperation with the municipalities is continuously conducting activities to urbanize as much lots as possible for construction of industrial centers and to offer favourable prices and services to companies.

The company's owner, Snezana Kokra said that the logistics center and Globeks' daughter firm Global Logistics will be included in the area employing 350 people.

Dojran packed with tourists

With Wizz Air to Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt for $32

As of April 2014, low-cost airline Wizz Air is to introduce flights from Skopje to Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris, subsidized by the Macedonian Government.

The airline will introduce two flights a week to the three destinations, with ticket prices starting at Denar 1,500 (EUR 25).

Wizz Air will also put into use its new passenger plane Airbus A-320 next April, thus increasing its pool at Skopje-based airport "Alexander the Great".

Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski and Wizz Air Executive Vice-President John Stephenson said at Monday's press conference that frequency of flights to majority of the existing destinations - Malmo, Basel, Dortmund, Eindhoven, Goteborg and Munich - would also increase.

According to Minister Janakieski, subsidizing has contributed to the increase of passengers by 18.2 percent at the Skopje and Ohrid airports.

Wizz Air has a 35.2-percent share in the total number of passengers, followed by Turkish Airlines, Austria Airlines, Adriatic Airlines and Pegasus.

TAV Macedonia, which operates the Macedonia's airports, has said efforts are invested for more flights to Italy and re-establishment of flights to Budapest and Prague.

Macedonians worldwide celebrate Ilinden

http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/tourist-attraction/makedonium-memorial-krusevo

Krusevo fell, but was never defeated. A great idea was born on this day which continued to live in every one of us by which Macedonian nation scores great victories. The idea for which Ilinden fighters and fighters of the national liberation war strived for is alive and lives in us and it will always live. We should always multiply this idea in new victories, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in his address on the occasion of Ilinden holiday at Meckin Kamen in Krusevo.

Entire Macedonia knows about the accomplishment that these brave people made 110 years ago. Men and women, children and old men, tradesman, farmers boldly to the last breath had defended Macedonia. And now after 110 years we are paying respect, celebrating and thanking them for their deed and honour, Gruevski said.

On this day, the great idea was born which continued to live in every one of us and did not eveb perish in the Balkan Wars and WWI. This idea contributed Macedonia to start the fight on Oct. 11, 1941 against Hitler’s occupation. The Ilinden resistance continued to live when on Aug. 2, 1944 Macedonian nation held ASNOM’s first session sealing the deserved victory, Gruevski said.

The remembrance of the first and second Ilinden helped Macedonian nation and nationalities to decide on independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia on Sep. 8, 1991, he said.

Many our ancestors had scarified for us to be free today, to have own rights, culture, language, name, right to religious affiliation, identity, to freely live and die, Gruevski said asking what we can do for Macedonia for our country, our fatherland for which they had fought courageously.

The Republic of Macedonia is independent and sovereign state and everyone should know that today we have basic right as well as basic obligations and duties to work for its development in every sphere, he said.

It depends from us living here Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Romas, Vlachs, Serbs, Bosniaks whether we will be successful, whether we will meet more standards and whether we will make life better, he underlined.

Reminding on the slogan of today’s celebration “One Idea, Many Victories!” and that the idea for which fighters of Ilinden and of the national liberation war strive for is alive and lives in us we are embodying in all spheres without exception.

Because Macedonia is without natural resources, without oil or gas deposits, without sea beaches that can bring billions of tourists as is it a case in some countries. Our success can only be based on knowledge and skill, investment in minds and knowledge of the citizens. Our chance is here for long-term success. That’s why successful countries and societies are those that are based on knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific achievements and education, he emphasized.

The victory is, as he said, to reduce the price of medicaments, to invest in modern equipment for clinics and hospitals, to build and to renovate, to provide free of charge study visit to our doctors abroad, to provide system for better communication between doctors and patients for everyone’s interest.

The victory is Macedonia’s joining in South Stream gas pipeline, new airport in Skopje, modernization of Ohrid airport, new buses for city transportation, apartments for socially vulnerable groups, construction and reconstruction of local, regional roads and highways, legalization of illegally built buildings, purchase of yards for the families, legalization of farms, agricultural mechanization, buying of solid cars and buses as well as high annual agricultural subsidies for farmers, PM Gruevski said.

10 Days Krusevo Republic event begins

The arrival of the Ilinden March horsemen in Krusevo marks Thursday the start of event "Ten Days Krusevo Republic".

The event, held in light of the 110. anniversary from the Ilinden Uprising and 69. years since the Anti-fascist Assembly for the People's Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM), will open with reading of the Krusevo Republic Manifesto and flag hoisting ceremony.

The main event will be held at Meckin Kamen on Friday, which Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski is set to address.

Ten Days Krusevo Republic includes events dedicated to the day of the Republic's establishment and its Manifesto, but also commemorating the Holocaust victims and honoring Aegean heroes.

The event will end on August 10 with a gun salute for the Ilinden and Krusevo Republic heroes.

Horsemen to start Ilinden March to Krusevo

Twenty-five horsemen will start Saturday in Skopje the traditional Ilinden March, in light of the 110th anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising.

The horsemen are scheduled to arrive in Krusevo on August 2 -the Ilinden Uprising Day.

The 35. Ilinden March is organized by the association "Ilinden March 1978", under the auspices of Aerodrom municipality.