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. 

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.

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.

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.

Macedonia's investment opportunities presented in Kaliningrad

A Macedonian business delegation, led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, presented Wednesday Macedonia's investment potentials and economic climate at a business forum held in Russia's Kaliningrad region.

The business forum brought together representatives of manufacturing companies, tourism and agriculture from Kaliningrad - a region in Russia experiencing an intensive economic development as a result of, amongst other things, the status of a free economic zone, the Government said in a press release.

PM Gruevski invited investors from Kaliningrad and Russia to visit Macedonia and to learn first-hand about the conditions and benefits for investing.

Russia, he said, is one of the most important business partners of Macedonia and the countries' trade exchange has been increased in the past decade. These business forums offer a great opportunity to establish new contacts in a bid to strengthen relations.

Macedonia has revoked visas for Russian citizens. Several Russian companies, including Protekt Group, Solvej Group, Lukoil and Grishko, have invested in Macedonia after recognising the favourable conditions for running a business.

The President of the Foreign Investors Association in the Kaliningrad region, Stefano Vlahovic urged the businessmen to examine the opportunities offered in Macedonia. "Macedonia and the Kaliningrad region could establish more concrete relations in the field of investments and trade of commodities," he said.

Deputy PM for economic affairs Vladimir Pesevski presented opportunities for the development and enhancement of tourism cooperation emphasising that the Macedonian Governemnt was allocating subsidies to attract tourists from Russia.

The potentials for investments in agriculture and manufacturing were outlined by the minister for attracting foreign investments, Bill Pavleski. "The Government is making many efforts to strengthen the investment potentials to pave the way for accelerated development."

Today's business forum was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and the Foreign Investors Association in the Kaliningrad region.

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.

Mak Railway System next in line for upgrade

Works for overhaul of Corridor 10 railroad sections Kumanovo-Tabanovce and Miravci-Smokvica were launched at the Kumanovo railway station of Saturday.

The activities are part of the Government's project for reconstruction of Corridor 10, 54km-long sections, worth EUR 17,6 million.

Besides the Kumanovo-Tabanovce and Miravci-Smokvica sections, the project also includes railroad Nogaevci-Negotino.

"This reconstruction will significantly improve the railway's operations, increase safety of this type of transport, as well as enable increased speeds of trains up to 120kph", said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at the event marking the start of reconstruction works.

German consortium "Wiebe & Alpine" is the contractor of the works, due to be completed in one year.

According to PM Gruevski, preparatory activities for reconstruction of railroad section Bitola-Kremenica, which is currently not in use, have also begun, which would result in improvement of possibilities for transport between Macedonia and Greece.

"Its reconstruction is significant for industrial zone 'Zabeni' near Bitola, but also meets requirements by the business community for establishment of a railway link between the Pelagonija region and Greece's north", he added.

The Corridor 10 overhaul process also includes railroad sections Kumanovo-Deljadrovce and Dracevo-Veles, along with the reconstruction of larger railway stations.

"Besides investments in new and reconstruction of old railroad sections, we are planning the procurement of new train compositions and cars, improvements in safety and signal system at railroads, as well as other projects that clearly demonstrate the better tomorrow of Macedonia's railway transport", underlined PM Gruevski. 

Macedonia's benefits for automotive industry presented in Germany

Macedonia's investment opportunities in the automotive sector were presented at a stand within this year's Berlin auto show "Automobilwoche", held November 5-7.

Minister for Foreign Investments Bill Pavleski and Directorate for Technological-Industrial Development Zones (DTIDZ) director Viktor Mizo took part at the event.

More than 300 delegates from the automotive industry in Europe and the world attended the event, whereas Macedonian officials met with representatives of numerous companies interested in Macedonia's investment benefits.

Automobilwoche annually brings together the most influential companies from the global automotive industry, said the DTIDZ in a press release.

TeknoHose Opens Macedonian Plant

Italian company “TeknoHose” will put into use Monday its plant in Macedonia, located in Technological Industrial Development Zone (TDIZ) Skopje 1. The investment stands at EUR 10 million, with the plant creating 150 jobs.

The plant will produce high pressure reinforced rubber hoses, used in construction, automotive industry etc. Output will be distributed to markets in the countries of Southeast Europe and Russia.

Company “TeknoHose”, registered in Macedonia under name “Vitek Macedonia”, is a member of Italy’s Vitillo Group. It purchased an existing facility in TIDZ Skopje 1, which has been completely built and adapted.

The company plans to start the construction of a second facility in 2013 for production of hydraulic couplings for reinforced hoses.

Diaspora to establish investment fund in Macedonia

Mike Zafirovski - Chairman of the
Macedonia 2025 Board of Directors.

Macedonia 2025 and SEAF will establish a new investment capital fund, focused on growth of the Macedonian enterprises.

The establishment of SEAF Macedonia I Fund was announced Friday by the organisation of the Global Investment Forum, taking place in Ohrid.

In addition to investing, the members of Macedonia 2025 - a group of successful entrepreneurs and CEOs of international companies with Macedonian origin and living in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia - will offer to Macedonian businessmen mentorship and access to markets.

"The fund is first of its kind where the diaspora is a catalyst and leading investor putting an emphasis on the fatherland and the region. It's our great pleasure to collaborate with SEAF in an attempt to create a successful fund and to pave the way for new funds. Our board of directors is thrilled with the idea of helping SEAF in the development of business leaders and successful businesses in Macedonia  and allowing access to our global network of business connections," stated Mike Zafirovski - Chairman of the Macedonia 2025 Board of Directors.

"Our goal is to spread as a network and to help our homeland. We expect nothing in return, only pride. We hope Macedonia will become a more prosperous country," Zafirovski said.

According to Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski, thus far the diaspora was not present with investments. "However, it provided logistics to the Government's efforts in organising investment forums, establishing contacts with other companies willing to invest, for instance the plant of Kemet Electronics, which was inaugurated yesterday by Mike Zafirovski."

"There has been similar support, but the announced fund will enable finances to be invested in new companies starting their business," Stavreski noted.

He added that the Ohrid summit was an exceptional chance to compare positions and viewpoints on investing in Macedonia and businessmen to be informed about the investment potentials.

At summit's opening, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski outlining the Government's activities in search of foreign investments and those that had been already launched, said that Macedonia was already considered as an attractive investment destination, seen by international companies as "an important gate toward Europe."

"We will continue our efforts to attract foreign investors and your help, support and idea will be more than welcome," Gruevski said adding the Government would resume maintaining sound economic policies and implementing further reforms.

SEAF establishes the fund as a result of its first successful fund - SEAF Macedonia, which was the first Macedonian venture fund that supported companies such as Tinex, On.Net, Krug (Dnevnik) and Login. SEAF chairman and co-founder Hubertus van der Vaart has stated: "SEAF believes that the Macedonian entrepreneurs are one of the best in the world. We are delighted at the idea of supporting a new group of entrepreneurs together with Macedonia 2025 and promoting economic growth and development in one of the most beautiful countries in the world."

Conclusions will be drawn at the forum containing recommendations and expectations from top business leaders in Macedonia and the diaspora, focusing on supporting, encouraging and improving investment efforts in Macedonia.

The summit, which brings together 350 participants, is held under the motto "Discovering Opportunities: Leveraging Business Diaspora to promote trade, investments and economic growth".

Ohrid hosts Macedonia Global Investment Summit

Ohrid, Macedonia.

Strengthening of cooperation between the national business community and the diaspora is the goal of Macedonia Global Investment Summit, which begins in Ohrid on Thursday, organized by "Macedonia 2025".

The summit, which brings together over 200 participants, is held under slogan "Discovering Opportunities: Leveraging Business Diaspora to promote trade, investments and economic growth".

The plenary sessions and working panels will include businessmen from Macedonia and the diaspora, Government officials and leaders of renowned international companies.

Participants will debate on global political outlook and economic prospects; doing business in Macedonia; investment climate in Macedonia: a perspective of existing FDIs; globally competitive Macedonian products: successful business models of cooperation between Macedonian and diaspora companies; financing investment projects, from micro finance to financing big projects; leveraging diaspora to create economic opportunities.

Several competitive industries have been identified, such as infrastructure, energy and natural resources; information and computer technology; manufacturing, agribusiness and food processing; real estate, construction and tourism; financial services, and many more.

Summit conclusions will contain recommendations and expectations from business leaders from Macedonia and the diaspora towards supporting, urging and enhancing investment efforts in the country.

Organization "Macedonia 2025" was established by renowned members of the Macedonian diaspora in Crown Point, Indiana in 2007. It opened the Skopje office in 2011. Macedonia 2025's mission is to assist in positioning Macedonia as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment, promote transparency within government and corporate practices, and inspire future business leaders in Macedonia.

Macedonia a crossroad for international companies to enter European markets, says FinMin

Macedonia is a fast-growing economy at the crossroads between East and West, North and South, which mitigates the work of businessmen operating in Macedonia to export goods in any European country.

This is how Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski presented Macedonia as a favourable business destination before Indian companies at a business forum in Chennai.

"Macedonia is a fast-growing economy compared to other countries in Europe, which means we are comparing the country with other European countries with a growth rate of one to two percent. Prior to the crisis, Macedonia registered an average growth rate of 5-6% and at the same time it coped with the crisis more easily than other European countries. Growth rate in 2010 and 2011 was 3% owing to export, which is increasing by 25 to 30% at an annual level. This is a result of the foreign direct investments i.e. companies that have opened their own businesses in the free economic zones," FinMin Stavreski said at the business forum.

He underscored that Macedonia was a candidate country for EU membership. "This fact is important for every businessmen, because it provides a high level of stability and predictability of the legislation, policies and regulations, which are crucial for the business itself."

Chennai, which is the fifth Indian city where the Macedonian government delegation presented the country's investment opportunities at business events, is ranked in the Forbes' Top Ten Fastest-Growing Cities list.

Chennai's metropolitan area is taking full advantage of India's soaring industrial sector, particularly the booming automobile sector. Electronics, led by Dell, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens, Sony and Foxconn, are also booming. Chennai is home to India's second-largest entertainment industry, behind Mumbai.

Tuesday's presentation was held in cooperation with India's largest chamber of commerce CII - Confederation of Indian Industry.

The government delegation, also including Minister for Foreign Investments Bill Pavleski and Directorate for Technological-Industrial Development Zones director Viktor Mizo, has already held presentations in New Delhi, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Hyderabad.

Ilovica Mine under concession, investments to reach EUR 700 million

Concessioning agreement over mine "Ilovica" was signed last week, whereas concrete exploitation activities are to begin very soon, said Economy Minister Valon Saraqini on Wednesday.

According to the plan of concessionaire "Euromax", investments will reach EUR 700 million.

Saraqini said the mine held 120 tonnes of gold and 700,000 tonnes of copper, which represents only 30 percent of the total concessioning field.

"If research is to resume in the remaining 70 percent of the concessioning field, there is big probability of finding other gold and copper reserves", said the Economy Minister at a press conference.

Over 740 million denars of subsides paid to vine growers

The state has paid the subsidies to vine growers and wineries in full. The Government has paid over 740 million denars to 23.500 farmers.

"More than 740 million denars have been paid to vine growers and wineries. Farmers and vine growers in the future can count on the government's support, because the finances are not only significant for vine growers and wineries, but also for the economy in general," Vice PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski stated Friday in Negotino.

At a meeting with Negotino businessmen, the FinMin urged them to use the 100 million euros provided through the European Investment Bank.

"I urged them to withdraw finances from the 100 million euros provided through the European Investment Bank. I believe the funds will help companies to endure the new European crisis," Stavreski stated.

Long-term measures taken by the government were also discussed at the meeting as well as the gasification project in Macedonia.

Minister Stavreski said that the Russian market offered a huge potential for export of Macedonian agricultural products, adding that export had been significantly bolstered in recent years.

Indians interested in investing in Macedonia

An Indian delegation, led by the wife of billionaire Subrata Roy - the founder and chairman of the Sahara India Pariwar - which arrived in Skopje yesterday, has been completed after a second plane landed. Now, it includes 45 people, who will travel to Ohrid during the day.

Roy's wife, who is company's vice-chairman, is accompanied by his son and a famous movie producer from India, who will visit locations where some of the films produced by their company could be shot in the future.

The delegation, which was received by PM Nikola Gruevski on Tuesday evening, have shown interested in investments in tourism, agriculture, mines...

The director of the Directorate for Technological and Industrial Development Zones, Viktor Mizo is accompanying the delegation upon its visit to Macedonia. It is also hosted by Macedonia's promoter in India, Toni Atanasovski and several representatives of the Agency for Foreign Investments, free zones and the Agency for the Promotion and Support of Tourism.

The delegation is expected to stay in Macedonia till Monday.

Those included in the visiting delegation are experts from various fields and are tasked with collecting data for in-depth analysis. They said that Subrata Roy had presented his impressions from Macedonia to many businessmen and friends in India.

In addition to meeting with the premier, on Tuesday the delegation went sightseeing in Skopje.

Billionaire Subrata Roy is one of the most influential people and the largest private employer in India. He employs 2 million people and has a capital of US$65 billion. His diversified business has interest in financial services, housing finance, mutual funds, life insurance, city development, real estate activities, print and television media, film production, sports, information technology, health care, tourism, hospitality and consumer products. The chairman of Sahara India Pariwar visited Macedonia two weeks ago, when he announced his plans for a huge investment in Macedonia.

Russian Investors interested in Mak Agriculture Centers

Russian investors from the region of Rostov are interested in constructing purchasing centers for agricultural products in Macedonia, for Macedonian fruit and vegetables and other agricultural produces.

This was stated by Vice PM and Minister of Finance Zoran Stavreski, who presented on Monday Macedonia's investment opportunities before entrepreneurs in the region of Rostov.

"This is our first day in the Rostov region in Russia. We are not here by chance, because we believe that the Moscow region has been explored significantly. It was decided a presentation of Macedonia's investment opportunities to be made inside Russia. The first day of our Russia visit we are in the Rostov region, one of the most developed regions in the Russian Federation. It was interesting to present what Macedonia is offering to Russian businessmen with respect to foreign investments regarding projects related to energy, real estates, agriculture and so on," Minister Stavreski stated after the presentation at the Rostov Region Chamber of Trade, made up of 650 enterprises.

He noted most businessmen from the region showed interest in boosting cooperation in connection to purchasing centers for agricultural produces. Negotiations are expected to continue.

"I think that Macedonia's offer of fruit, vegetables and other agricultural products is quite interesting. The region is a big market and Macedonia has the opportunity to increase its export of agricultural products. The favourable results yielded in the past couple of years could be improved with a direct foreign investment by opening a purchasing center by Russian investors in Macedonia," stated Stavreski.

Russia is a new interesting market for Macedonian companies, he added.

The government delegation, which also includes Minister for Foreign Investments Bill Pavleski and director of the Directorate for Technological and Industrial Zones (TIRZ), Viktor Miz, are set to visit the region of Krasnodar and Soci.

Minister Bill Pavleski presented projects in the field of agriculture, tourism and construction before interested investors, whereas Mizo spoke about projects related to energy, mineral resources and conditions offered in the technological and industrial zones,

The Rostov region is in southwestern Russia and has a population of 4.3 million inhabitants. It is one of the most developed and richest federal subjects in Russia.

The Republic of Macedonia and the Russian Federation are fostering an intensive economic cooperation. Trade exchange is a dominant form of cooperation standing at over US$700 million in 2011. Most importantly, Macedonian export to Russia marks a record-breaking increase of 140%, while Russia's export to Macedonia is nearly 28.7%.

The two countries in order to advance the overall trade relations signed in 1993 an agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the governments of Macedonia and Russia.

Russian investments in Macedonia last year stand at 5.19 million euros. Given the economic and investing potential of Macedonia, the scope of foreign direct investments is considered small. It is expected Russia to launch an investment cycle in Macedonia, especially in the energy sector.

Russian pharmaceutical holding "Protek Group" has started constructing a plant in Skopje and is planned to be completed in 2015. "Lukoil" oil company is already expanding its businesses across Macedonia.

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.

Mak Government Keeps Name of Major Investor Secret

A Car Factory will be built in the region between Veles and Kavadarci, which will employ 4,000 people.
This was announced today by PM Gruevski during his visit to the University for Mechanical Engineering in Skopje.
- They have yet to chose their location, however have already made a decision to invest and registered their company in Macedonia. According to their analysis, they will employ 4,000 people in the next two years. I don't believe we have a private or state firm that employs 4,000 people, said PM Gruevski.
According to the PM, the company will hire 300-400 people by the end of the year, while the rest will come in the next year.
- Where exactly they will build is solely their decision. As of this time we can't make the name of this company public, except that they are a major German company in the Auto sector.

Largest Belgian bus manufacturer to invest in Macedonia

Belgium's largest bus manufacturer Van Hool will invest in Macedonia, Daim Iljazi, advisor at the Macedonian Embassy in Belgium, told MIA.Van Hool's decision to build a bus factory near Skopje comes as a result of the year-long embassy activities for attraction of foreign investments.
The embassy has confirmed that the company will start to build the factory in 2-3 months, with an annual capacity of 300 buses intended for the United States market.Van Hool was established in 1947, currently employing about 4,500 people worldwide.

Macedonian investment team presents before Turkish businessmen

Istanbul, Kayseri, Konya, Gaziantep Izmir and Bursa are the cities on the agenda of the Government's team, where Macedonia will be presented January 29-February 3 as an attractive investment destination.
The Turkey road show begins in Istanbul, where the team, led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, is set to hold a working dinner with investors, including the attendance of 60 company CEOs.
According to PM Gruevski, this is the longest presentation before foreign investors, which demonstrates there is great potential, but also interest for Turkish investments in Macedonia.
Turkey has been one of Macedonia's most significant partners, both in the political support with regards to Macedonia's NATO and EU integration process and all international institutions, but also in the economic field.
There has been a trend of cooperation increase and improvement of trading relations, as well as volume of investments.
Turkey has been identified as one of the target states, where investments can be expected in the production of automotive components, ICT, agriculture and food processing, business services and outsourcing, pharmaceutical industry and medical devices, energy and renewable energy sources, tourism, building and infrastructure.
In the course of the visit, the Directorate for Technological-Industrial Developments Zones (DTIDZ) and Turkeys Directorate of Organized Industrial Zones will sign a cooperation protocol.
Gruevski will also meet Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with Macedonian emigrants in Bursa.
PM Gruevski is accompanied by Vice Premiers Zoran Stavreski and Vladimir Pesevski, Economy Minister Valon Saraqini, Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupco Dimovski, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Abdilaqim Ademi, Ministers for Foreign Investments Vele Samak and Bill Pavleski, Minister without Portfolio Hadi Nezir, as well as DTIDZ director Viktor Mizo and Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion head Visar Fida.