Skopje, 27 September 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia is a country having excellent business climate where the companies have the chance to plan long-term and develop investments, it was concluded Monday at a meeting of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Philip Morris International CEO Jacek Olczak. This is Olczak’s first visit to North Macedonia where the multinational company fosters partnership with Tutunski Kombinat, a Prilep-based company, as part of a joint company. Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi, Agriculture Minister Arijanit Hoxha and Health Minister as well as Tutunski Kombinat company managers, the government said in a press release. The Philip Morris International CEO's first official visit is yet another confirmation that global companies are recognizing North Macedonia as a secure partner for their investments, Zaev said during the meeting. “The business climate in the country provides fair conditions for all companies willing to invest and employ young people. The Philip Morris investment and the company’s partnership with Tutunski Kombinat-Prilep demonstrate how committed companies produce results when the country is offering conditions for development,” the PM said. CEO Jacek Olczak said Philip Morris International is satisfied with the cooperation with the government and the Tutunski Kombinat-Prilep management. Talks also focused on Philip Morris International’s transformation globally after the company in 2016 announced it would focus on producing less harmful alternatives. Tutunski Kombinat-Prilep and North Macedonia, said Olczak, may play a role in the transformation process. The company has a bold vision for a smoke-free world and major changes and development is possible with proactivity, he stated. The latest initiative on the opening of a customer support center in the country demonstrates that the company is expanding its activities where educated young people are needed. The customer support center was inaugurated in Skopje and customers from North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro will be informed about the company’s new innovative products. “Over the past several years, Philip Morris International and Tutunski Kombinat-Prilep have managed to establish an effective and profitable joint company, which has set out new standards also in North Macedonia,” said the press release.