Indian businessman promises Ohrid Complex to be in World's top 10

Indian businessmen Subrata Roy said Thursday the tourism complex set to be built at the Ohrid Lake shore would be among the world's top ten.

"The entire project is primarily initiated from a business aspect. We do not want it to be an average complex, but one of the top ten destinations of this type in the world", Roy told reporters on Ohrid.

He emphasized that the ambitious project would be beneficial for both parties - Macedonia and Sahara Group.

I see the project's economic justification by targeting elite clientele from the whole world, in particular from India, Russia, China, Europe, he said.

"I believe that millions of India's citizens will come here as tourists. It is also the case with people from China, Russia, Europe. I don't expect a great number of guests from Canada, US. Its hard to predict who would our guests be, but I am certain that this project will improve the economic situation in your country," Roy said.

His host, Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said a coordinating team of about 30 experts, as well as representatives of competent institutions and the Sahara Group, has been established towards regulating all legal, economic and environmental issues, as well as the Ohrid Lake protection as a UNESCO heritage site.

This is a large investment, which will substantially affect on Macedonia's economic growth during its construction and exploitation, i.e. the expected large number of tourists, Stavreski said.

It will be even more significant for Ohrid and its region, as the new complex will attract visitors at all times, which means thousands of new jobs and more work for small businesses (markets, restaurants...), Stavreski said.

The complex, considering its exquisite quality, will be promoted across the globe, which means a lot for Macedonia, Stavreski said, pointing out that it is an additional motivation for the Government to keep working on attracting foreign investments and making the country a better place for living.

The 'Saharayan Macedonia' complex, located near village Ljubanista, will include world class hotels, casinos, residential and recreational facilities and an international standard gold golf course.

Project 'Saharayan Macedonia' was designed by Atkins – a multinational engineering, design, planning, project management and consulting services company headquartered in the United Kingdom. The design bears the signature of architect Tom Wright, who on his list of works of art also has the Burj Al Arab in Dubai - the world's only seven-star hotel.

PM Gruevski calls Indian businessmen to invest in Macedonia

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski Monday in New Delhi called upon Indian businessmen to invest in Macedonia and to utilise its competitive advantages. He promised maximum support by government institutions for realisation of their investments and business projects with Macedonian companies.

- Mittal Steel, the Samvardhana Motherson Group and Binani Group are Indian investments in Macedonia that have excellent experience in doing business, Gruevski said at the Business Forum in New Delhi, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which was attended by more than 120 Indian companies.

Gruevski emphasised the size of the Indian economy, its growth that rose 20 times in two decades and twice increased participation of Indian export of goods and services in global export as well as Indian export of capital, reads the Government's press release.

He referred to business environment reforms in the past 6 years and evaluation by the World Bank 2012 Doing Business Report for Macedonia being third best reformer in the world. He also introduced investors with economic policies and investment opportunities. He pointed out macroeconomic results, average inflation rate of 2.5% in the past decade and access to 650 million European consumers under the free-trade regime.

He further added low budget deficit and careful indebtedness and low tax regime highlighting tax exemption on investments and retained earnings in the country.

Aggarwal, Chairman of ASSOCHAM, Devin Narang, FICCI Executive Committee Member and Chairman and Ganapathi, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, also addressed the forum expressing satisfaction for participation at such event for the first time where Macedonia's investment opportunities are presented and pointed out that fast-growing Indian economy constantly sees opportunities for internationalisation of its production and services and thereby boosting economic relationship between India and Macedonia.

Minister for Foreign Investments Bill Pavleski and Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones manager Viktor Mizo introduced Indian businessmen in details about business opportunities and competitive advantages in several spheres in Macedonia.Deputy PM Zoran Stavrevski in his presentation emphasized the increased competitiveness of Macedonia's economy, especially in fiscal policy, Regulatory Guillotine and investment opportunities in sectors like road, railways and energy.

Gruevski and Stavreski held tęte-ŕ-tęte meetings with several interested Indian companies.

Government delegation from here leaves for another Business Forum in New Delhi, which is organised by Sahara India Pariwar Group.

Indian Company Building Two Plants in Macedonia

Indian Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG) will lay Wednesday a cornerstone for construction of two plants at the Technological and Industrial Development Zone Skopje 1.

Earlier, a memorandum of understanding and agreements for lease of land and for allocating state aid with regard to the two investments are set to be signed with the company.

The memo of understanding will be signed by SMG chairman Vivek Chaand Sehgal and Viktor Mizo - director of the Macedonian Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion.

PM Nikola Gruevski, who is expected to meet with representatives of the Indian company, will also attend the signing of the contracts and the cornerstone laying ceremony.