Skopje, 14 October 2023 (MIA) – In a press release Saturday, the Finance Ministry said high representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in their meetings with Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi voiced interest in supporting the investment cycle launched by the Government over strategic projects in transport infrastructure and the energy sector.

“During the Minister’s meeting with the EBRD's First Vice President, Jürgen Rigterink, it was noted that the EBRD is the most active international financial institution in the country which participates in providing funds for the realization of public projects and firmly stands behind the implementation of the country’s European reform agenda,” said the Ministry.

According to the press release, Minister Besimi voiced gratitude for the support of the EBRD, which, said the Ministry, is participating in the provision of funds for the construction project of the final section of the Corridor VIII railway to Bulgaria, the construction of a joint border crossing with the Republic of Serbia in Tabanovce, as well as the gas interconnector with Greece.

Support for green transition projects was in the focus of the Minister’s meeting with IFC’s regional Vice President, Alfonso Garcia Mora, said the Ministry.

At the meeting they spoke about funding projects from the energy sector, especially making use of renewable sources of energy, implementing the process of decarbonization, as well as expanding the energy grid.

Within the frameworks of the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, Minister Besimi also held a meeting with investors from the Bank of America, during which he presented the country’s macroeconomic policies. Additionally, the Minister met with representatives from the International Development Association. “North Macedonia became the 56th member state, IDA contributor, this year, for which Minister Besimi voiced gratitude at the meeting,” added the Ministry. 

According to the press release, in Marrakech the Minister also held meetings with high representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, during which support was voiced for the policies implemented by the country.

At the meetings with IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li, Executive Director Paul Hilbers, Alternate Executive Director Luc Dresse and European Department Director Alfred Kammer, it was noted that the country is implementing sound macroeconomic policies, which are laying a solid foundation for an increased growth potential.

“At the meetings with the World Bank it was stressed that the country has maintained an exceptionally significant partnership in the past 30 years, and that it continues with a new five-year programme aimed at continuing the reform process on the path towards EU accession, and a more sustainable, resilient and green growth. The programme and the expected support of EUR 100 million by the end of the year for the development policies, is an affirmation of government policies and the efforts for fiscal consolidation,” said the Ministry of Finance.