Current economic crisis in Greece could affect Macedonian trade, but it will have no negative effects on Greek investments, Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski said today.
 
– Taking into account that Greece is one of the most important trade partners of Macedonia, certain effects on Macedonian companies in the field of trade, regarding regular supply, deliveries and orders are possible. As for Greek investments, I do not expect any more serious negative effects. Macedonia, with its business climate and low costs provides favourable conditions to Greek and other investors. They have no reason to abandon this market, Stavreski said following the meeting with the citizens, whose building was destroyed by the roof construction of former “Jugobanka” building.
 
According to him, developments in Greece are serious in the field of fiscal affairs and even more serious in the private sector.
 
– However, I do not expect any negative effects on the investments. Regarding the trade, certain implications are possible, depending on the situation in Greece, whether there will be social unrests, strikes or distortions of the production process, Stavreski pointed out.
They also discussed future plans and activities in Macedonia.
 
– I am pleased with what I have heard. I believe we will continue our good cooperation in future as well, and I expect no problems as far as cooperation is concerned. I have been confirmed that NBG and Stopanska Banka will continue putting maximum efforts in supporting the economic development. We have discussed projects as well, such as reconstruction of thermal power plant REK Bitola, financed by Stopanska Bank, airport modernization for which Stopanska Bank issues a guarantee in the amount of EUR 200 million to TAV, Minister said.
 
Pointing out that neither the global, nor the Macedonian, economy has existed the global crisis yet, Stavreski underlined that the Government puts efforts and is seriously committed to mitigating the possible consequences.
 
Asked if incentives when importing vehicles will slow down if excises and customs duties are not reduced simultaneously, Stavreski said it should not be the case, since the reduction of customs duties and excises will be carried out simultaneously.
 
– In order for customs duties and excises to be reduced at the same time we have proposed amendments to both Laws on the same parliamentary session. It is a matter of day or two as regards the discussions about the amendments. We expect for reduction of both excises and customs duties to happen simultaneously. It should be completed by the middle of this month, between 10th and 15th March, when both Law should be adopted on parliamentary session, Finance Minister Stavreski said.(MIA)
