14th April 2026, Skopje - A strong, modern and efficient Customs Administration ensures stable public finances, protects the economy and supports the businesses, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, stated during the event held to mark 14th April – Customs Administration Day. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the institution’s establishment.
In her video address, the Minister highlighted that the Government remains fully committed to the modernization and digitalization of the Customs Administration, as well as to the continued strengthening of its institutional and human capacities, all to the end of ensuring more efficient budget revenue collection, facilitating trade, and creating a predictable and safe business environment.
She emphasized the central role of the Customs Administration in implementing trade policies, administering Free Trade Agreements, and safeguarding the domestic economy, underscoring its importance as a key pillar of the public finance system.
“Customs Administration plays a central role in facilitating trade, implementing Free Trade Agreements, protecting the economy, and collecting budget revenues. The effective functioning of each customs administration represents a matter of particular social and national interest and priority,” the Minister highlighted.
Amid global economic and energy challenges, the Minister stressed the Government’s commitment to taking timely measures to safeguard citizens’ living standard and support businesses, despite the resulting impact on budget revenues, with a key priority remaining maintaining fiscal stability and fostering sustainable growth.
“We remain committed to implementing reforms in the customs sector, as well as to investing in and providing professional support to customs officers and the Customs Administration as a whole. Only in this way can we effectively respond to the new challenges arising from the rapid globalization of trade and financial systems, which call for heightened efforts in combating illegal financial flows, organized crime and tax evasion. This approach enables us to achieve tangible results, as reflected in the recent strong growth in import‑related revenues, while building a trustworthy system respected by both the business community and the citizens. Only through joint efforts can we help build a sound and efficient system that serves all,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.
The Minister thanked the Customs Administration employees for their professionalism, dedication and contributions over the past 34 years, emphasizing that people are central to future development and to responding effectively to the pressures of the modern economy.
