The Defense Ministry promoted concept "Use of Offset Programmes in Republic of Macedonia" in the Army Hall on Monday.

Minister Fatmir Besimi stressed that besides the "smart defense" concept, the "offset" programme represents another alternative on more rational and optimal use of resources at disposal towards development, equipping and modernization of defense.

"These are the concepts applied in a significant portion of the NATO and EU countries. This is the first time we promote this concept and one should see the possibilities for its use in a small economy, such as Macedonia", said Besimi.

According to him, the concept's advantage is that the funds used for defense towards modernization, meaning inflow or outflow of foreign currencies, can also be found in programmes meaning investment in the development of technology in the national economy.

"The economy will give the final answer for this programme, since their involvement opens this topic, in order to find new spheres of the economy's development", added Minister Besimi.

Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Macedonia, Colonel Aleksandar Aleksandrov stressed the development of strategic documents results in mechanisms and rules with regards to general NATO standards, but also contributes to the building of a unique administrative capacity for the process' management.

"I strongly support inter-sectoral approach in implementation of the Offset programme, since it is in the interest of armed forces and the country in general. The process needs to be inter-sectoral, but led by the ministries of defense and economy, along with the participation of the ministries of foreign affairs and finance. The political aspects of each transaction need to reviewed and taken into consideration", said Aleksandrov, adding the importance of making and controlling agreements in a way towards reducing the risk from their non-compliance.

The introduction of these programmes in Macedonian legislation is set to significantly facilitate the procurement of equipment and weapons, as well as reduce the possibilities for abuse.