27th September 2024, Ohrid – Hungary is our strong European partner in the efforts to achieve macroeconomic stability, implement national reforms, as well as avid supporter of our EU integration. Bilateral loan in the amount of EUR 500 million, extended under favourable terms and conditions, is a step forward in deepening the cooperation, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, said at the meeting with her Hungarian counterpart, Mihály Varga, member of the delegation headed by the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, which took place in Ohrid.
“Macedonia is facing many challenges. Since taking office, the new Government has been tackling many open issues. The goal is to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and walk firmly towards achieving higher economic growth”, Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska said, adding that the 2025 Budget is in the process of preparation, defining the policies to be implemented in the coming period. Particular attention will be drawn to fight against grey economy, which is expected to yield substantial effects on revenue stability and boost the competitiveness. To that end, introduction of e-invoice will significantly contribute thereto.
During the meeting, the counterparts exchanged views on tax policies, global tax, support to agriculture sector as an important segment and payment of agricultural subsidies, as well as coping with inflation. The Minister also emphasized that solutions will be designed aimed at creating more favourable business environment.
The goal is to achieve economic progress of the country and higher standard of living for the citizens, and Hungary is a strong partner in achieving this goal of ours, and their experience in implementing the upcoming reforms is of particular significance. She expressed gratitude to Hungary for their helping hand, extending half a billion loan under favourable terms and conditions.
“There are many opportunities opened to deepen the mutual cooperation, in particular the economic cooperation. Bilateral loan is a huge support on our path to implementing reforms and stabilizing our macroeconomic situation. This is only the beginning of a broader economic cooperation which is to be developed between out two countries”, the Minister said.
During the meeting, country’s commitment to continuing the reform agenda towards becoming a fully-fledge EU Member State was affirmed. On this path, Hungary, holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, extends unwavering support to both Macedonia and the Western Balkans as a whole.
The Minister pointed out that the reforms are crucial for the progress towards the EU, which will be high on the agenda, all to the end of the wellbeing of the citizens and the country.
Point of discussion covered the upcoming activities regarding the use of the loan funds from the Hungarian Export – Import Bank, reiterating that the funds will be used as support to the municipalities and the local economic growth, as well as support to the businesses. Activities are expected to be undertaken aimed at continuing such cooperation. Loan Agreement is expected to be signed during the first half of October.
Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, was accompanied by the MoF State Secretary, Andriana Matlioska, and Chief of Cabinet, Katerina Antovska.
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