Macedonian media have covered the speech of the Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev at the Summit of Western Balkan Leaders in Tirana.
Zaev says the countries of the region together are stronger and make the Western Balkans more competitive, strong and close to EU markets.
He emphasizes that all countries in the region are working to establish a common regional market. Zaev believes that the Economic and Investment Plan will make the region more attractive and will enable the inflow of many investments.
“The EU economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans supports the long-term economic recovery of the region, while promoting regional integration. Implementation of the Plan will stimulate economic activity, increase investment in the private and public sector, strengthen competition and innovation, especially in small and medium-sized companies.
Our will is to promote the development of renewable energy capacities and the transition from coal to renewable energy sources, increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve wastewater management infrastructure. During these challenging periods, all countries in the region are working to establish a common regional market.
Close harmonization of Western Balkan regulations with the basic principles governing the EU internal market, based on the access of the four freedoms through mutual recognition agreements, will develop employment opportunities because trade liberalization, capital flow and mobility will lead to market expansion. The economic and investment plan will make the region more attractive to foreign investors and enable more investment returns.
With the implementation of the regional common market we create better jobs, excellent choices of lower prices for travel, study and business work in the region, easier and without obstacles. “With an integrated market, we bring additional GDP growth to the region because together we are stronger, which makes the Western Balkans more attractive, more competitive and closer to EU markets,” Zaev said.
