Macedonia is a country having the lowest costs for running a business in Europe, the lowest tax package, favorable and qualified workforce, implementing reforms to reduce procedures for businessmen and creating a solid business climate.

This is how Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski invited potential Japanese investors to exam figures and benefits as to include Macedonia in their plans aimed at expanding their capacities in Europe.

All of these benefits recently have been resulting in a number of companies to open producction plants in Macedonia or to expand existing ones, according to him.

"Many global companies have arrived in Macedonia to open new businesses, have built capacities and kick started production processes. Most of them are from the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. I know that most Japanese companies open capacities in Germany or the UK when expanding their production in Europe. Here is a good information for you - many companies from Germany and the UK come to Macedonia. Take this fact into consideration and visit Macedonia to be convinced in the favorable conditions for running a business that I am telling you about," PM Gruevski said in his address at a business forum organized by the Financial Times Group, which was attended by managers of over 60 companies mainly in the field of automotive industry, robotics, chemical industry, energy as well as officials of investment funds.

Deputy PM and Minister of Finance Zoran Stavreski at the forum focused on the favorable macroeconomic data as a parameter for the creation of a predictable business environment.

"I have positive expectations from this presentation. From what they have heard, the businessmen think that Macedonia could be used as a gateway toward Europe's market of 660 million consumers," Stavreski stated.

The Japanese businessmen welcomed the presentation of Macedonia's government team with some of them saying they were planning to visit Macedonia in due time.

The entrepreneurs attending the presentation positively assessed the benefits offered by Macedonia to potential investors.

The business aspect of the Macedonian government delegation's tour of Asian countries resumes with a business forum in the South Korean capital of Seoul.