Russian company for production of ballet equipment and other type of sports equipment "Grishko" opened its plant for production of ballet shoes in Demir Hisar village Slepce.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski addressed the event, saying the greenfield investment came as a result of the 2012 Government road show in the Russian Federation. He added "Grishko" chose Macedonia as its destination for a new plant due to the country's investment benefits and assistance offered to investors.

"The opening of 80 new jobs is of exceptional significance for the development of this region. It is also significant that the company plans to engage individuals with physical handicap, which demonstrates its social responsibility", said PM Gruevski.

The Grishko investment includes the opening of a second plant in Demir Hisar, which would open another 200 jobs by the year-end.

"The investment will benefit the employees and their families, but also Macedonian companies from the textile and shoe industry, which will cooperate with Grishko", underlined Gruevski.

Company owner Nikolay Grishko said the energy and sincerity of the Government's team during last year's visit to Moscow was key in his decision to invest in Macedonia.

"We promised to open new jobs and the plant confirms this. As of today, I am Macedonian, a resident of this beautiful country. I must say corruption and crime do not live in the country, and I never thought something like this existed" added Grishko.

Russian Ambassador to Macedonia Oleg Shcherbak welcomed the investment, which increased the volume of Russian direct investments to US$ 400 million.

"The Russian Federation aims at giving maximum contribution in mutual relations, including trade and investments. We believe it is of enormous importance to maintain a dynamic development in communication of countries' business communities", added the Russian Ambassador.

Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said the company output would be distributed to the United States, Russia, Japan, Italy.

Moreover, Nikolay Grishko voiced readiness for support of ballet art in Macedonia, along with scholarships for Macedonian artists in Russia.