Skopje, 8 June 2022 (MIA) - Let’s leave behind regional competition and move forward with a strong regional competitiveness, said Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi from the panel held within the Open Balkan Summit in Ohrid on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, our countries have been trapped in politics for a long time. I say we need to open them to new experiences, opportunities, progress, development and competitiveness. Let’s leave behind regional competition and move forward because every country of the Western Balkans is adding value to our region with its uniqueness for development and future,” Bytyqi said in his address. He pointed out that the Open Balkan initiative is a chance for every generation. “I am the embodiment of the Open Balkan Initiative – I’ve had my education in Tirana, I’ve worked in the Western Balkans starting from North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia, all because I was given a chance. I am but one man, however. Open Balkan is a chance for all our generations, and what’s more powerful than giving someone a chance?” Bytyqi said. The Open Balkan benefits are “huge”. Over the past period, the companies from North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia have had the opportunity to export their products without wasting time on administrative proceedings, and the free labor market that opens up bigger opportunities for the citizens has also become a reality. “They say if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Our citizens deserve long-term stability, peace and predictability,” Bytyqi added. dk/ik/