Skopje, 25 February 2023 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia marked 30 years of membership in the World Bank Group. Thirty years ago today, the country joined the world's leading financial institution that helps countries fight poverty and improve the living standard of people in developing countries.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski expressed gratitude for the World Bank's support so far, stressing that the cooperation will continue to improve, especially since the global financial institution has an important contribution to the reformation and development of the Macedonian economy.

"For 30 years, the World Bank has supported the development and progress of our country. This financial institution has made a significant contribution to the improvement of social conditions in North Macedonia. For these 30 years, investment projects worth close to USD 3 billion have been implemented through the World Bank. Our membership and, above all, long-term partnership with the World Bank, results in the implementation of major projects in the area of road infrastructure, construction of preschools and schools, and other projects that directly improve the quality of life of our citizens and the economy. In addition to support through projects, the advisory support for policies, technical assistance and the exchange of experience offered by the World Bank are all extremely important for us as a country, and have an important contribution in the creation of economic and social policies towards the economic development of the country and improving the standard of living," PM Kovachevski said, as cited in the Government's press release. 

Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi extended gratitude to the World Bank for the continuity of such partnership and the results achieved in the development of the country, expressing satisfaction that such cooperation will continue in the future.

"It's not just membership, it's 30 years of partnership. The World Bank proved to be an extremely loyal and committed partner, which made a special contribution to reforming and modernizing all segments of the Macedonian economy, through close to 100 investment projects worth nearly USD 3 billion," said Besimi. 

World Bank Country Manager for North Macedonia and Kosovo, Massimiliano Paolucci, said for the past 30 years, the World Bank has been North Macedonia's committed partner, supporting the country in its efforts to improve living standards, strengthen human capital and improve well-being. The cooperation will continue in the future towards significantly improving the lives of citizens. 

North Macedonia became World Bank member in 1993 and is part of the Dutch Constituency. World Bank Mission in the Republic of North Macedonia is focused on encouraging and supporting job creation, as well as improving the living standard by implementing and financing projects, consulting services and research aimed at capacity building, human resource development and investments in infrastructure.