Skopje, 29 March 2023 (MIA) - There are no open issues between North Macedonia and Austria, only open opportunities. I hope this forum will reaffirm the prior cooperation but also launch a new stage in the cooperation between the countries' companies, President Stevo Pendarovski told economic forum "Strengthening Business Relations between North Macedonia and Austria" on Wednesday.

Recalling that 2024 will mark 30 years from the establishment of bilateral ties, President Pendarovski said mutual trust should be used to enhance cooperation.

"For Austria to continue to be the number one investor in North Macedonia in the coming decades not years, it is necessary to open new perspectives in the economic cooperation," said Pendarovski.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said he is accompanied by representatives of the business community in the country and the region, which "is a clear message".

"Austrian businesses are here to stay and want to enlarge. There is large interest and big will to establish new ties here in North Macedonia," noted Van der Bellen.

He referred to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the global energy and economic crisis, the state of climate, saying the present is one of the most critical periods in the history of mankind, whereas developments have shown the interdependency of countries.

Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi noted several strategic aspects linked to the reasons why North Macedonia is attractive for doing business.

"North Macedonia is committed to the green deal. We have a lot of sun and wind. We will work on strategies for energy storage and balance, whereas prospects show that availability of renewable energy will rise rapidly," said Bytyqi and added that the country offers stability considering its EU and NATO integration.