Tetovo, 4 April 2023 (MIA) – Laying the cornerstone of Corridor VIII is not only a beginning of a new road infrastructure, but also a cornerstone of new investments – creating new markets, opportunities for new cooperation between domestic and international companies, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at a groundbreaking event Tuesday of the Corridor VIII motorway section Tetovo-Gostivar.

The construction of Corridor VIII, the PM said, means less transport expenses, quicker transport, the connection and integration of North Macedonia, as well as economic and regional development of the country.

“Today’s event is the beginning of a serious and strategic undertaking that will benefit both the present and future generations of our country, but also our two neighboring countries to the east and west, connected by Corridor VIII and all those who pass through it. With our geostrategic position and Corridor VIII, we are becoming an unavoidable transport route both in the region and beyond,” said Kovachevski in his address.

The construction of Corridor VIII and Corridor X-d, he added, is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in North Macedonia when it comes to road connectivity.

“The value of the construction contracts for Corridor VIII and X-d stands at EUR 1.3 billion, four highway sections with a total length of 110 km will be built as part of it. Such a feat has never been done in the history of our country. Until today, these corridors were only plans on paper and were never realized due to various reasons. With the construction of these highways, our country will be connected to two additional seaports in Durrës and Burgas, which is a great opportunity and perspective for our development. The construction of Corridor VIII transforms North Macedonia from a roundabout to a real intersection in the Balkans,” said Kovachevski.

First Deputy PM and Minister of Political System and Inter-Community Relations Artan Grubi, who also presides over the Committee for the construction of Corridor VIII, thanked everyone involved in the process of the realization of the project, especially the current and former U.S. ambassadors to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler and Kate Marie Byrnes, and the MPs who adopted the specific law on the construction of the corridor.

“Today I want to thank you. First, I want to thank Prime Minister Kovachevski for the support he has provided for the project, but also I wouldn’t want to forget former Prime Minister Zaev as well, for his support. I am really proud that the consortium led by Bechtel and Enka will construct Corridor VIII and X-d and that together we are marking such a significant event for construction in the country,” said Grubi.

DUI leader Ali Ahmeti noted that Corridor VIII will improve the lives of citizens and facilitate their movement. The Corridor, he said, builds bridges throughout the entire Balkans.

“The construction of Corridor VIII is a very thankful task that will serve to directly improve the relations between the citizens and economies of the countries in the region,” said Ahmeti.

U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler said this is a special day for North Macedonia, the Western Balkans and all of Europe, but it is also a very important day for the United States and U.S. businesses in North Macedonia.

“This is an investment in the future of North Macedonia and all countries connected to Corridor VIII and beyond. Improving the roads in North Macedonia is of crucial importance for economic development. The development of this modern road network will facilitate the movement of people, goods and will help attract investments. Good transport routes such as Corridor VIII will also help North Macedonia improve its regional integration and build better relations with its neighbors,” said Aggeler.

Shaun Kenny from Bechtel and Enka expressed his gratitude for having been entrusted with the construction of this significant infrastructure project.

Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski said that by constructing the largest capital infrastructure project so far in the country, North Macedonia is writing its history as a modern and European country.

Gostivar Mayor Arben Taravari stated that the event marks the beginning of the realization of one of the largest capital investments in the country, stressing that a country is as developed as its roads.

Public Enterprise for State Roads director Ejup Rustemi noted that the construction of this highway will drastically reduce the time necessary to travel from Tetovo to Tirana, underscoring this as an advantage that will enable greater economic development. ad/ik/

Photo: Government