Kriva Palanka, 5 October 2024 (MIA) - Macedonian citizens will pass through a modern border crossing that is part of Corridor VIII. This is a strong political message since we have been accused that this corridor is not our priority, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski at Saturday's event that launched the project for construction of new administrative building at the cargo terminal and reconstruction of the administrative building within the Deve Bair border crossing.

The project is funded by the World Bank, worth Mden 96 million (EUR 1.6 million).

"This project and the pending reconstruction of the Klepalo border crossing clearly demonstrates that we find every corner of Macedonia important," said PM Mickoski.

According to him, investments in modernization of border management and better networking with Bulgaria show the commitment for faster integration in the EU single market.

Deputy PM and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, World Bank country director Massimiliano Paolucci and Customs Administration director Boban Nikolovski also attended the event.

"Reconstruction of the administrative building will ensure better working conditions for customs and police officers, whereas the new building at the cargo terminal will benefit all inspection services. In addition, all import, export and transit procedures will be handled from a single point, thus making the work of economic operators easier and cut times for completion of the customs procedures," said director Nikolovski.

World Bank's Paolucci said bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Single Market is one of the four pillars of the Growth Plan for the region, noting that the Deve Bair project would also include enlargement of lanes for vehicles.

"Furthermore, we are supporting the modernization of the Kjafasan border crossing towards increase of vehicle flows and shorter waiting times," said Paolucci.

Minister Nikoloski said the Deve Bair reconstruction works are expected to finish by May 2025, with the second stage to follow and be completed a year later.

Photo: MIA