9th May 2019, Sarajevo – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will finance the construction of Skopje – Blace and Kicevo – Gostivar highways, i.e. the first section Kicevo – Bukojcani, Minister of Finance, Dragan Tevdovski, said at the EBRD Annual Meeting, held in Sarajevo.
-At the EBRD Annual Meeting, we had a chance to discuss ongoing, as well as future, cooperation with the Bank. We have agreed on the support to be extended in the coming period – construction of important highways in our country, i.e. Skopje – Blace and Kicevo – Gostivar highways, in particular the first section Kicevo – Bukojcani, as well as construction of electronic system for toll collection along Corridor VIII and on Miladinovce – Stip highway, Tevdovski said.
He underlined that part of the grant funds were already provided, however, additional grant funds were expected for the construction of these highways. As regards Kicevo – Bukojcani section, EUR 20 million is provided under the Western Balkans Investment Framework, while with respect to Skopje – Blace highway, grant funds, amounting to EUR 27 million, are expected from EBRD by the end of the year.
– These are non-repayable funds. The projects themselves are good, since they provide for constructing the infrastructure which will boost economic growth, but will also improve the living conditions of the citizens in our country, Tevdovski said.
With respect to public sector projects, EBRD finances projects in road and railway infrastructure in the country the most. Bank’s portfolio in this sector amounts to EUR 622 million.
Tevdovski and Prime Minister Zaev took part in EBRD Annual Meeting in Sarajevo. The Annual Meeting is an excellent occasion to present the investment opportunities in the country, to consider the ongoing, as well as to agree on the future projects with the Bank.