Macedonian PM courts investors from the United Arab Emirates

Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski is courting Emirati businesses to invest in his nation following high level trade talks with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Gruevski pointed to Macedonia’s investment-friendly climate and low cost of starting a business in order to woo potential Emirati investors. Macedonia is particularly hoping to see greater investment from the Emirates in the infrastructure, energy, tourism, agriculture and education sectors.

To that end, Gruevski’s government is providing numerous incentives and facilities to draw international businesses, including a decade-long tax exemption, land grants and economic free zones. Macedonia’s business-friendly policies make it the lowest cost nation in Europe for starting new enterprises.

First Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud said the two nations need to develop greater economic and investment cooperation to spark interest in Macedonian business opportunities by building up relationships between companies operating in the UAE and Macedonia.

To make that happen, Al-Mahmoud said the Abu Dhabi Chamber plans to send an economic delegation on a fact-finding mission to Macedonia. The trip will give Chamber members an overview of the various economic sectors and services available in the Balkan nation.