Credit lines of the Macedonian Bank for Development Promotion (MBDP), Fund for Innovations and Technology Development and the Employment Service Agency self-employment programmes annually provide over EUR 100 million in support to domestic companies.

In addition, funds in the amount of EUR 350 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) have also been secured in order to mitigate the effects of the global economic crisis.

"EUR 319 million have been used by 1,583 SMEs thus far, investing them in projects and opening 6,441 jobs", said Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski.

MBDP and EIB have transferred EUR 100 million annually over the past three years, the Employment Service Agency operational programme amounts to EUR 10,7 million for active measures, while the Fund for Innovations and Technology Development has provided support amounting to EUR 40,000.

These funds have significantly improved the access to finance of companies, creating the possibility for investments in time of crisis, as well as secure salaries for employees.