Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said after Friday's meetings at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank that the state of reforms in Macedonia has been positively assessed, more favorable compared to other regional countries, whereas improvement of the situation in EU member-states would have a positive reflection on Macedonia too.

"It is encouraging for Macedonia that assessments by the IMF and the World Bank are more favorable than any other regional state. They salute the achievement of economic growth, lowering of the unemployment rate. Its further reduction requires efforts for attraction of foreign investments, but also realization of projects in the section of infrastructure and enhancement of the workforce. The World Bank has promised financial support within its strategy for Macedonia in the coming three-year period, through a project over reconstruction of roads and enlargement of road sections, improvement of employees' human skills and support to the innovation fund", said Stavreski.

National Bank Governor Dimitar Bogov and Vice Premier Stavreski said the IMF and the WB believed Europe was finally coming out of its economic problems, which would have a positive effect on Macedonia.

"We use every opportunity to present our views on Macedonia's economy. We are encouraged that the European economy is finally coming out of recession, although we are still cautious. All this should have a favorable effect on Macedonia's sustainable growth", said Governor Bogov.

Ellen Goldstein, the World Bank's director for the Western Balkans, said Macedonian reforms were progressing well, while measures the Bank was planning in the country aimed at using reforms towards reducing unemployment.

"Macedonia is progressing quite well in the reforms. There is certain growth and the country copes well with some of the most important reforms regarding doing business conditions. However, due to the general situation in Europe, the effects from these reforms have been limited. We see that economic growth does not always result in improvement of the employment aspect, which remains a key issue. Therefore, we are working hard towards turning reforms into concrete investments in the field, which would increase growth and create jobs. We are especially working on support to the sector of skills and innovations, making Macedonia's workforce truly attractive for investors, both foreign and domestic", Goldstein told MIA.