Skopje, 4 July 2024 (MIA) - New Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi said at a press conference Thursday the demands of trade unions for an increased minimum wage and finding a solution for a stabilization of food prices would be among his priorities.

At the press conference, Durmishi said he would strive for open dialogue within the Economic and Social Council and stressed that at its first meeting, the Council would review the unions’ demand for the minimum wage to be raised to EUR 450 in the first 100 days of the new Government.

“We will launch a dialogue over all open issues both on the side of the unions and employers during the first meeting of the Economic and Social Council, which I am now chairing. We must consider the interests of the workers, but also the interests of the business sector,” Durmishi said.

The Economy Minister said the list of 1.600 products in the Law on Unfair Commercial Practices would be reviewed alongside the economic chambers and businessmen, with the Law expected to be effectuated as of September and lead to a reduction of the prices of food products.

“I will meet with the chambers and producers of food to find a way to reduce the price of food in the interest of the citizens. I will talk to them to assess all available opportunities over possible changes in the list of products,” Durmishi said.

With the reorganization, Durmishi said the main focuses of the Ministry of Economy and Labor will be providing greater support for industry, creating measures for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, raising the competitiveness of businesses, the internal market, trade, as well as supporting employers, creating measures and policies for employment, improving the labor market and protecting workers’ rights.

“We will continue to provide financial assistance for investments by domestic and foreign companies, which is regulated with the Law on Financial Support of Investments. We are planning to review the procedure and conditions for granting state aid to provide greater amounts of assistance to domestic companies who are exporting and companies from sectors that have a competitive advantage,” Durmishi said.

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises will remain the Ministry’s focus, Durmishi said, since they are the most numerous, and there will be more finances and measures for them.

“We will focus on complete infrastructural and logistical support of the industrial zones. Foreign investors, the business sectors, employers and chambers will be consulted during the adoption of all legislation, and we will be their partner for cooperation,” Durmishi said.

The Minister stressed the new reorganization would bring businesses and workers together.

“By bringing them together, an opportunity is being created to see and hear all factors in a single process. The rights of workers and the labor market will be our new challenge that we will fully dedicate ourselves to. Promoting and protecting the rights of workers will be my priority. The Employment Service Agency will grow into an effective mediator between employees and employers,” Durmishi said. 

Photo: MIA