Skopje, 16 February 2023 (MIA) - Agents and investors are promptly notified of the administrative barrier related to the issuing the Eurobond. Investors have not registered the Eurobond and as a result, they could not trade it in the secondary market, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi told MIA on Thursday.

“Like government bonds on the domestic market, the Eurobond is sold at an auction, after which it is registered by the investors, on their behalf. After this, investors on an annual basis receive repayment of the coupon interest or trade/resell the Eurobond on the secondary market. Due to compliance with the internal procedure, the procedure for issuing a Eurobond in the country (requiring an opinion by the newly appointed Minister of Justice), and investors have not registered the Eurobond and therefore could not trade it on the secondary market,” Besimi said.

According to him, the allegations that came out in the public about the demand for compensation and penalties and about the reduction of the country's credit rating due to the non-issuance of the Eurobond are also incorrect.

Besimi also underlined that as soon as a new Minister of Justice is elected, new auction will be held. Joint Lead Managers engaged in the Eurobond issue will inform the investors, whose interest shown at the latest auction, was 2.5 times higher than the offered amount, thus speaking in favor of their confidence in our country’s sound economic policies.

The issuance of the Eurobond worth EUR 600 million will be used exclusively to cover old debts due for repayment this year.