Skopje, 26 July 2023 (MIA) – North Macedonia offers attractive conditions for Japanese investors, especially for the companies in IT and advanced technologies, said the Director General of the Trade Policy Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Matsuo Takehiko, at a meeting with the Director of the Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ), Jovan Despotovski, in Tokyo.

At the meeting, Despotovski and Matsuo stressed the importance of strengthening the economic relations between the two countries, and spoke about concrete cooperation initiatives.

Director General Matsuo underscored the importance of strengthening economic cooperation with countries who share common values, such as North Macedonia.

“Japan has great economic and investment potential, and can become an important partner for the accelerated growth of North Macedonia. We spoke about concrete programs offered by the Ministry supporting the investments of Japanese companies abroad, as well as the program for management courses, taken by over 200 managers of Macedonian small and medium-sized enterprises. This potential should be used,” stressed Despotovski.

As part of his visit, Despotovski also held meetings with the heads of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association, Japan Chamber of Commerce, and the Japan Association of New Economy.

 “These meetings resulted in concrete plans for economic cooperation and encouraging Japanese companies to invest in North Macedonia,” said Despotovski.

Despotovski also extended an invitation to the Japanese Minister of Economy for an official visit to North Macedonia in 2024, as part of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The head of the Directorate for TIDZ is on visit to Japan, organized in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy to North Macedonia, with the goal of presenting the investment opportunities in the country. Meetings with several Japanese chambers, business associations, companies and state institutions are planned.

“The goal is to present our country and its investment opportunities to several Japanese companies and institutions. The initial talks are encouraging and opportunities for cooperation on several levels are already emerging,” stressed Despotovski.

Photo: TIDZ