Skopje, 30 March 2023 (MIA) – Import of workforce cannot be a long-term solution in no country, but the economy can't wait on long-term solutions for years, workforce is needed now, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi said Thursday. 

In response to a reporter's question after addressing a regional conference on boosting economic cooperation in the Western Balkans, organized by the Economic Chamber supported by USAID, Bytyqi said that if employers could they would offer higher wages to attract unemployed to accept jobs offered on the market.

"In the last three years, wages have been higher than before, but the Employment Agency currently has 9,628 vacancies. Just a week ago, 7,500 jobs were vacant," Bytyqi said. He noted that 115,000 unemployed are registered with the Employment Agency. 

According to Bytyqi, the vacancies need to be filled at the Agency, but unfortunately, they are not.

"In no country is import of workforce a long-term solution, but the economy can't wait on long-term solutions. What will the economy do if these job vacancies are not filled for five years - it will mean the companies need to shut down. These jobs are open because they are needed for the companies to provide the primary activity they are registered for," said Bytyqi. 

He stressed that the current situation with the workforce in the country is a consequence of the work of some officials who started working in 1991.

"The answer to what we are talking about today probably lies there. I cannot be responsible for someone's behavior 20, 30, 10 or 5 years ago,," Bytyqi said. 

Photo: MIA