Business centre for cross-border initiatives opens in Stip

Business centre for cross-border initiatives opens in Stip as part of project "Cross-Border Business Networking for Sustainable Growth" financed by IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Macedonia.
The work of the business centre, which operates within Centre for Development of Eastern Planning Region, aims at development and improvement of economy and business cooperation between companies directed to strengthening business climate in cross-border regions between Bulgaria and Macedonia.
Centre offers services in the sphere of informing target groups, mapping economic subjects in cross-border region and informing about local business events, also gives information on changes in legal, financial and customs spheres and connection of legal entities from cross-border region aimed at establishing mutual cooperation.
Head of Centre for Development of Eastern Planning Region, Dragica Zdraveva said that by opening of the business centre and the opportunities it offers will bring development of companies in cross-border region and will attract new investments.
Business centre will operate at the territory of Macedonia’s Eastern Planning Region and Bulgaria’s Blagoevgrad region.

Johnson Controls Starts moving machines in Shtip

Johnsons Controls will start moving machines to the premises in Makedonska Street in Stip in about ten days.
The company will also launch test production, informed Viktor Mizo, head of the Technological-Industrial Development Zone Bunardzik (TIRZ), at the government session. He announced employment of 300 people in the company as of early next year.
In November, equipment of Chinese company Haier is expected to be delivered to TIRZ. In the past few days, meetings with representatives of Haier were held and investment details discussed. All announced investments in Macedonia are progressing without any impediments.

Johnson Controls starts new Euro 20 mln investment in Shtip

"Johnson Controls" - the US auto interiors manufacturer - is launching its second investment in Macedonia in amount of approximately Euro 20 million. Contracts are due to be signed in the next two to three weeks, while the construction of a plant located in the Stip Technological and Industrial Zone will start in mid-October.

Premier Nikola Gruevski, who met Friday with Macedonia's project manager Steven Meylemans, said country's good business conditions have been acknowledged since the company decided to invest in Macedonia for the second time. "This investment will be a serious contribution to the Macedonian economy," the PM said.

"It is particularly significant that the company, which is multinational and famous around the world, has decided to invest in Macedonia for the second time. International investors seeking places to invest will notice this in no time. When a company decides to launch a second investment in the same country it means that it is satisfied with the conditions, communication with authorities as well as with other factors necessary for a good business climate. The plant, despite opening new jobs, is expected to boost Macedonia's export and to improve the living standards of local residents," PM Gruevski stated.

He added that the company's decision was seen as a recognition of Government's efforts made in recent years to advance business conditions and to attract investors. In 2007 and 2008, the PM noted, an important investment wave began when many companies had either started building or reserved a location for construction after signing a cooperation memorandum.

"Unfortunately, the global economic crisis halted most of the constructions, not only in Macedonia, but also in other countries as well. As the global economic crisis is lessening, the interest for building production plants, including in Macedonia, is mounting. Almost two months following the June elections, this is the fourth company to announce start of construction activities in Macedonia," PM Gruevski said after the meeting.

He noted that the Government will make efforts to enable the company to launch the construction of a plant in Stip in mid-October.

Meylemans said Macedonia was picked as a business destination, because it is competitive and first and foremost due to the support and professionalism offered by domestic institutions.

The plant will focus on producing car seat covers. Offering 1.400 jobs, it is expected to start its operations within a year to serve its European clients.