Macedonia could be used as a magnificent gateway by Chinese companies that are willing to manufacture and sell their products on the European market, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in his speech at a conference organised by the China-Central and Eastern Europe Cooperation Secretariat, held in Chongqing.
The event as an initiative was launched by the Chinese Government, organised by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chongqing local authorities in an attempt to boost China's business and political cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries. The conference brought together representatives of 16 CEE countries, mayors and leaders, including Romanian PM Victor Ponta and Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan, China's Vice FM Song Tao, etc.
Addressing the conference, the Macedonian Premier pointed out China's impressive economic growth praising the country for being one of the driving forces of global growth based on solid and well-conceived foundations.
He stressed that the excellent Chinese-Macedonian political and economic relations had made a remarkable breakthrough in many fields.
"The two countries are dedicated to promoting investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education and tourism seen as fresh areas to boost bilateral cooperation. There are many other development opportunities created through constant improvement of the business surrounding," Gruevski said.
He noted that Macedonia's Government had introduced favourable benefits for investing in the technological and industrial development zones. "Due to the huge interest demonstrated by foreign investors, another ten development zones across Macedonia will be opened. They offer very favourable conditions that have been recognised by the multinational companies," PM Gruevski said in his speech.
The Premier emphasised that dozens of companies from Europe, Russia and the US had already invested in Macedonia. "It is of vital importance that Chinese, Indian and Qatari companies have shown serious interest in opening facilities in Macedonia."
Chinese companies in Macedonia, he added, will come across low taxes and qualified workforce and they will be provided with an access to a market of 660 million inhabitants in Europe through the free trade agreements signed by Macedonia and the European countries.
PM Gruevski said that the cooperation in the field of investments and China's financial support for CEE development would contribute to the creation of enhanced and constructive relations between the citizens ensuring better living standards and competitive conditions for economic growth and progress.
Chongqing is one of the most developed economic, trade and industrial centers in China.
