27th October 2023, Skopje – Efficient tackling of informal economy in our society calls for systemic approach and coordination among the institutions. To that end, measures and activities are being defined in the Strategy for Formalization of the Informal Economy and the Action Plan. For the purpose of their efficient implementation, interdepartmental body and National Council for Formalization of Informal Economy have been established, the constitutive session of which, chaired by the Minister of Finance, Fatmir Besimi, was held today,.
“It is a comprehensive and consistent system for efficient reduction of the informal economy. The system implies strengthening of institutional capacities, enhanced coordination among the institutions, interoperability among the institutions, strengthening the legal regulations, as well as defining performance indicators. Setting up the National Council provides for establishing the respective institutional infrastructure for successful implementation of the specific activities defined in the Strategy for Formalization of the Informal Economy and the Action Plan, based on a comprehensive approach to coping with this challenge”, the Minister emphasized, adding that, last week, preparatory meeting was held with all stakeholders ahead of the constitutive session.
Measure and activities are arranged into two groups: stimulating and controlling, but most importantly is to work on the public awareness to recognize the benefits of transitioning from the informal to the formal sector, as well as raising the tax moral.
“Activities will be undertaken aimed at development of an integrated platform with an inclusive approach by the citizens and the legal entities, which are to share ideas and give suggestions on reducing the informal economy. Awareness raising campaign will be also developed – public duties and fees are aimed at rendering better public services, leading to better standard of living, improved infrastructure, enhanced education, health and social care, etc.”, Minister Besimi pointed out.
Strong will was demonstrated at the meeting to fight this phenomenon in our society, expressing the need for enhanced exchange of information and regulating more precisely the competencies of certain institutions.
Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Economic Affairs, Coordination of Economic Sectors and Investments, Fatmir Bytyqi, who is one of the Council’s co-chairs, also highlighted that eradicating the informal economy calls for a systemic solution, greater interoperability among the institutions, on one hand, and awareness raising about the benefits of the formalization of the informal economy, on the other. “What is especially important is for the illicit activities to recognize the benefits they will ripe when transitioning to the formal sector. We had positive examples thereof during the COVID-19 crisis”, Bytyqi said.
National Council for Formalization of Informal Economy comprises 20 members, high-level representatives from the institutions in charge of actions aimed at reducing informal economy, i.e. Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Economic Affairs, Coordination of Economic Sectors and Investments, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Good Governance Policies, Ministers of Economy, of Information Society and Administration, of Labour and Social Policy, of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, of Environment and Spatial Planning, of Transport and Communications, and the top officials of the Public Revenue Office, the Customs Administration, the Public Procurement Bureau, the Financial Police Office, the Financial Intelligence Office, the State Market Inspectorate, the State Labour Inspectorate, the Central Registry of North Macedonia, the Inspection Council and the State Statistical Office, and the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia. As regards monitoring the progress achieved in implementing the measures and the activities, the National Council will meet on quarterly basis.
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