Sweden is our great supporter on the road to NATO and EU. They have emphasised the principle position in relation to Macedonia on every occasion and we always can count on their support and I think that it will be the same in the future, PM Nikola Gruevski said after Monday’s meeting with Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt in Stockholm.
Gruevski accompanied by government team Monday and Tuesday in Sweden will present Macedonia's investment opportunities.
Both prime ministers assessed the bilateral relations between the states as excellent and good political cooperation and support from Sweden can be upgraded with better economic relations, larger trade exchange and more Swedish investors in Macedonia.
We have exchanged opinions on economic situation in two countries and in Europe in general as well as political problems that we are facing with in relation to imposed blockade by Greece and damages that Macedonia suffers both on political and economic plan from this blockade. Viewpoints were presented on continuing the process in finding the resolution, which could surpass this problem, Gruevski said.
Gruevski presented improved conditions for doing business in Macedonia as well as confirmation from WB Doing Business Report at the meeting with Swedish PM and Trade Minister Eva Björling.
Generally speaking both trade and investments from Sweden to Macedonia are very high. I have explained the Prime Minister about the improved conditions for doing business in Macedonia in the last 5 to 6 years which are not only our conclusion but also is the conclusion by the WB Doing Business Report, Gruevski said, emphasising that Macedonia is very respected due to significantly improved conditions and positions it received by the World Bank.
He also underlined that Swedish officials welcomed our idea for establishing closer communication with Swedish businessmen.
We have discussed the possibility with the Trade Minister a delegation from Sweden to visit Macedonia.
Government delegation also includes Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski, Ministers for Attraction of Foreign Investments Vele Samak and Bill Pavleski as well as deputy director of the Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion Hristijan Delev.
Government economic team during the stay in Stockholm will attend a business forum hosted by the Swedish Trade Council, where Macedonia's economic and investment potentials will be presented before interested companies.
Moreover meetings are also planned with Stockholm Mayor Margareta Bjork and CEO of the Swedish Trade Council Ulf Berg. On Tuesday, Gruevski is to meet Parliament Speaker Per Westerberg.
