Skopje, 18 July 2023 (MIA) – The Government held a thematic session Tuesday dedicated to World Bank’s analysis for a new Partnership Framework with North Macedonia. The key aim of the new Framework for the 2024-2028 period, is inclusive, sustainable and green growth of the economy.

The session was attended by World Bank representatives in the country, while the analysis was presented by the World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans, Xiaoqing Yu, and the World Bank’s Country Manager for North Macedonia, Massimiliano Paolucci. The session was also addressed by the World Bank’s Executive Director, Koen Davidse.

According to a Government press release, in his introductory address at the session, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski noted that today’s thematic session and the drafting of the new Partnership Framework is a continuation of the long-standing partnership, which marks 30 years of cooperation in 2023.

“The cooperation with the World Bank is of great importance for the Government. The support we are receiving is a strong signal that we are on the right path. It is a motivation for us to continue with the policies and the reform processes. While at the same time, representing a signal for international stakeholders and the international financial markets. Our clear commitment to begin talks with the European Union is evident and noted throughout the documents and the Bank’s draft-program. A lot of work, dedication to the realization of the projects and teamwork await us in the coming period. In order to overcome the challenges together, to make use of the opportunities and work for the future generations,” said Kovachevski.

Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi, according to the Government, stressed that the partnership with the World Bank is of special importance for the further development of the country’s economy on its path to the EU.

“As a Finance Ministry we are working continuously, in coordination with the other ministries, to realize the implementation of the ongoing projects, but also to continue with new projects as an extension to the already initiated reforms, in the context of the EU processes that will be reflected in the new Framework. The World Bank clearly notes that inclusive, sustainable and green growth of the economy is our priority. Today, apart from the Finance Ministry’s commitments to the realization of our clearly defined priorities such as fiscal consolidation, the public finance management program and other structural reforms, together we are also committed to the promotion of human capital, green agenda, inclusive society for all,” said Minister Besimi.

The World Bank representatives stressed the importance of sustainable and inclusive development of the economy and the continuity of policies, and, according to the press release, stressed that the World Bank remains North Macedonia’s partner in the development of the country, and will continue to support the promotion of the state capacities in the realization of these goals.

“The country’s Partnership Framework with the World Bank for the 2024-2028 period will include the Government’s priorities presented in the national strategic documents and the economic growth program, which also includes the key reforms, jointly adopted with the EU. A good defining of priorities is important for the successful realization of the program. Additionally, together with the World Bank, work is being done on the Human Capital Strategy, which is expected to be adopted in the coming period and will contribute to the new Partnership Framework,” said the Government.

Photo: Government of North Macedonia