14th October 2026, Bangkok - During the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand this year, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska met with Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Alfonso Garcia Mora, IFC Vice President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eugene Rhuggenaath, World Bank Executive Director representing the constituency of which Macedonia is a member.
The meetings focused on the cooperation to date with these international financial institutions, the ongoing activities and projects being implemented in the country, as well as the opportunities to further strengthen the partnership in support of the country's reform agenda and development priorities.
World Bank remains a key development partner of Macedonia, providing financial and technical assistance to support reform implementation and project delivery across multiple sectors.
The current portfolio encompasses activities aimed at improving public financial management, modernizing infrastructure, enhancing energy efficiency, as well as supporting education, social protection and agriculture sectors.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in fostering private investments, improving the business environment, supporting the green transition, and boosting the competitiveness of the domestic economy.
Special emphasis was placed on the implementation of the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework 2024–2028 for Macedonia, providing for substantial financial and technical assistance to our country, amounting to approximately US$ 700 million.
In this regard, particular attention was paid to intensifying project implementation, ensuring a higher absorption of available funds, and delivering tangible results for both the citizens and the economy.
Discussions also covered opportunities to support new strategic investments, as well as to further strengthen the cooperation in areas that contribute to economic growth, boost private sector competitiveness, and improve the quality of public service delivery.
Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska stressed that the Government remains committed to implementing reforms, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and improving public financial management. Partnership with international financial institutions plays a key role in delivering on the country's development priorities and strategic investments aimed at fostering long-term and sustainable economic growth.
World Bank representatives welcomed the Government’s commitment to continuing the reforms and reaffirmed the World Bank’s readiness to continue providing financial support and expertise to help deliver the country’s development priorities.
In addition to the Minister, the meeting was also attended by Governor of the National Bank, Trajko Slaveski.
