Minister Bill Pavleski

Minister Shining the Spotlight on Macedonia’s Business Climate

Bill Pavleski, Macedonia’s Minister without portfolio responsible for attracting foreign investments, has an in-depth understanding of the business sector’s needs and is committed to making the world more aware of his country’s FDI appeal. He explains why international investors should take a closer look at Macedonia.

Bill Pavleski, Minister without portfolio responsible for attracting foreign investments

European Times: What makes Macedonia a good base for business?

Minister Pavleski: Macedonia has exactly what investors need. In addition to a strategic location, high quality human resources, economic stability even during turbulent times, investment incentives and strong logistics, Macedonia has a government which is committed to helping businesses achieve success. Any companies looking to expand or consolidate their investments should check out Macedonia. One key indicator of a country’s investment attractiveness is when a major investor not only invests once there but also decides to make a second investment even bigger than the first. In Macedonia, Johnson Controls is a high profile multinational which has chosen to reinvest in our country.

European Times: What kind of investments are you hoping to attract?

Minister Pavleski: We welcome investments in a wide range of sectors. We would certainly like to see more companies set up operations in our industrial parks, which offer many advantages for investors. A number of globally leading companies have already chosen Macedonia as a location for niche manufacturing activities, for example of automotive components and electronics. Now I would like to see a whole car manufactured in Macedonia from start to finish.

European Times: What about business services?

Minister Pavleski: Macedonia is very competitive in the field of business services outsourcing. Many companies are outsourcing services to countries like India, the Czech Republic and Poland, but costs are going up in those markets. Macedonia remains competitive on costs while also offering the highly skilled, multilingual labour that business outsourcing demands. I believe that business outsourcing is a
huge untapped market for Macedonia.

European Times: What are some new investment trends?

Minister Pavleski: One new investment possibility on the horizon is medical tourism. Macedonia is becoming a leader in this sector thanks to the country’s natural beauty and tourism appeal along with facilities which offer world class medical treatments. We are seeing more and more investors interested in opening special clinics and hospitals here and we expect our medical tourism sector to expand quickly.

“We welcome investments in a wide range of sectors. We would certainly like to see more companies set up operations in our industrial parks.”

European Times: What is your message to investors around the world?

Minister Pavleski: I welcome foreign investors to come to Macedonia and see for themselves what this country can offer. I am sure that once they come here, they will very seriously consider Macedonia as a destination for business.