Viktor Mizo, head of TIRZ, the joint company managing the free economic zones in Macedonia, says that he expects between 1.300 and 1.400 new jobs in plants opened largely by foreign companies that operate in the zones. Mizo said that 1.050 new jobs were opened so far in 2016.

"The IBM-IBV report that ranked Macedonia as a leading country worldwide in creating jobs from foreign investments per capita is going to be an additional influence to foreign investors interested in Macedonia. The free industrial zones are having a strong impact on the economy, driving exports and job creation, and the Government will continue promoting them", said Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev, who met with Mizo and the management of the TIRZ on Friday. The zones offer significant subsidies to foreign or domestic companies that are willing to invest, hire large numbers of workers and introduce innovative technologies. The subsidies include pre-built infrastructure, years long tax holidays and subsidies for plant construction.

Mizo said that the management was able to respond to the effects of the long standing political crisis, in which the four main parties were unable to agree on a date for early elections. Mizo said that some companies who were nearing decision to invest in Macedonia prolonged the call due to the political situation, but there were no cancellations.