6th September 2021, Skopje – Implementation of ongoing projects and their dynamics, as well as investments in new projects in the area of road and railway infrastructure, energy, environment, were the topics discussed during the meeting between the Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi and EBRD First Vice President Jürgen Rigterink, held at the Ministry of Finance prior to the beginning of the First Annual Conference “Economic Recovery and Growth Beyond COVID”.
During the meeting, EBRD underlined that cooperation with North Macedonia will continue and they will support the Government commitment to preparing and implementing the priority projects which are part of the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
Among the projects extended a financial support from EBRD are Skopje-Blace road section, Kicevo-Gostivar highway section, Rail Corridor 8 towards Bulgaria, as regards the energy sector, Gostivar-Kicevo and Sveti Nikole-Veles national gas pipelines, construction of gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Republic of Greece, 400 kV interconnection Macedonia (Bitola) – Albania (Elbasan), as well as other projects among which Skopje Bus Rapid Transit and Wastewater Treatment Plant in Skopje.
Contentment was expressed for the progress achieved in implementing the projects funded by this international financial institution, as well as for the Government commitment to their effective implementation.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that inclusion of the Bank in the implementation of the Solid Waste Project in five regions in the country would be of key importance. It is a project to be prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
-EBRD also remains to be our strategic partner in the implementation of the Recovery and Growth Acceleration Financing Plan, which is expected to scale up the total investments in the economy, Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi pointed out.
In addition to the projected public investments in the amount of around EUR 4 billion in the period 2021-2025, financed by the Budget, IPA funds and the international financial institutions, more funds and investments in the private sector will be mobilized. Thus, total investments will be scaled up, growth of GDP and job creation will be both accelerated.
It is certain that the economy has started recovering from COVID-19 induced crisis. Statistically, the country will exit the recession this year and the economy will begin growing and recovering, with a forecasted growth of 4.1%.
EBRD investments in the country amount to more than EUR 2 billion.
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