Skopje, 20 September 2022 (MIA) – The Open Balkan initiative is the best example of support through mutual assistance and uninterrupted trade exchange of food and commodities, because we can tackle the economic crisis and secure enough food for all only if we are united, said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski in his remarks at the Macedonian stand within the international fair of agriculture, hunting, fishing and ecology “Interagro 2022” in Bijeljina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I am a proponent of Open Balkan because we have shown through practical examples that products from Ohrid and Gevgelija can find their place at shelves in Belgrade and Novi Sad much faster than our journey between the countries’ capitals. Companies are satisfied because criteria have been facilitated, there is an operating green lane at border crossings, simplified procedures and mutual recognition of all lab analyses and phyto-certificates,” said Minister Nikolovski. According to him, the flow of commodities among the three Open Balkan members (Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania) is uninterrupted, but what is even better, the food security agreement ensures provision of shortages to one country by the other two. “We are sending a message to our citizens that food quantities will be sufficient for all citizens. That is why it would be nice if all countries in the region join this initiative that improves trade exchange and people’s lives,” said Nikolovski. Over the next three days, 13 Macedonian companies will be promoted at the fair, which brings together 300 exhibitors from the region, the Agriculture Ministry said in a press release.