Skopje, 1 September 2022 (MIA) – Initiatives such as Open Balkan, which produce real benefits in the form of the first international fair of food, wine and tourism in Belgrade, represent an exceptional opportunity for establishment of fresh dynamics in our regional cooperation and ensuring economic prosperity and a better tomorrow for our citizens, says Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in an interview with Serbian daily Politika. “North Macedonia and the region in general is an area known for its good food and wine. It is important to show this and work on enhancing our capacities. North Macedonia’s participation at the fair is hugely important for the national economy. Exhibiting companies will ensure increased exports and distribution of Macedonian food and wine at new markets, along with ensuring excellent promotion of the country’s tourism potentials. The country will be presented by 42 wineries, three distilleries and a dozen of food producers. Macedonian authentic food and over 300 wine and brandy varieties will be presented. In short, such networking is important for the region and the countries’ economies,” says PM Kovachevski. He adds that the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed thus far have resulted in gradual elimination of red tape and rise in the exchange of people and capital. “We are talking about implementing the EU fundamental values alongside the ongoing Union accession process. The ‘Open Balkan’ benefits are already visible and I believe this will continue. There are intensive activities to overcome administrative barriers and we are on a good path to ensure swift progress of this region. All individual countries are interested in domestic and foreign investors, but as a region we are far more interesting for investors in creating capacities and opening new jobs,” notes Kovachevski. He underlines that competitiveness and quality will grow, citizens will have even more opportunities for personal developments, whereas companies will have more prospects for distribution and collaboration.