Companies told to look beyond immediate transactions at Skopje Forum
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu and North Macedonia President Dr Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova have discussed full range of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders reaffirmed deep and friendly bilateral ties, grounded in shared democratic values and mutual respect on 21 July during her visit to Villa Vodno, the official residence and office of the President of North Macedonia.
The Indian President pointed out that economic cooperation is an extremely important pillar of the India-North Macedonia bilateral relationship and called for cooperation in key sectors, including IT/ITES, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and bio-tech, tourism, hospitality, and film-making.
The President said that India seeks to foster international cooperation through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Global Biofuels Alliance. She welcomed North Macedonia’s intent to join these initiatives and said that participation in these international initiatives would enable North Macedonia to draw on global best practices and technical expertise to promote renewable energy and disaster resilience.
The President announced India’s decision to double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for North Macedonia, including courses in Artificial Intelligence. Both leaders agreed that this visit will further consolidate the multifaceted partnership between India and North Macedonia and take it to new heights in the years ahead.
President Murmu delivered the inaugural address at the India-North Macedonia Business Forum at Skopje on 21 July, underlining that India-North Macedonia economic and commercial relationship is a frontier waiting to be fully conquered. The bilateral trade volume shows a steady positive trajectory, but it represents only a fraction of what is possible.
The President said, “To move from trade to a true economic partnership, we must focus on mutual investments.” She emphasized that the scope for new investments spans across various sectors, including digital innovation and artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agro-processing, and the green energy transition.
She invited North Macedonia to participate in the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) to be held next year in India.
The President highlighted the need to encourage partnerships among start-ups, universities, research institutions and technology enterprises. She said that cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, cyber security and digital innovation should also be explored.
The President said that businesses from both sides should take lead in identifying viable projects and building long-term commercial relationships. She urged Chambers of Commerce, Investment agencies and Business Associations of both countries to establish linkages and facilitate exchanges of business delegations.
She also urged companies to look beyond immediate transactions and invest in partnerships based on technology transfer, joint ventures, local value creation and employment generation. Fiinews.com
