Skopje, 27.08.2026
The Ministry of Economy and Labor has launched two new Public Calls with a total financial support of MKD 7 million, intended to improve the competitiveness of domestic companies in the manufacturing industry.
The Public Calls provide concrete support in two important areas – strengthening cooperation between companies and universities through joint projects, as well as the introduction, implementation and certification of standards and the development of social responsibility practices.
"Our commitment is to direct public support towards measures that create long-term value for companies and the economy. With these two Public Calls, we are providing a total of MKD 7 million for the processing industry, with a focus on innovation, knowledge, new technologies, standards and greater competitiveness. We want domestic companies to be stronger, more modern and better prepared to enter the European and global markets," said Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi.
The first Public Call, with a total budget of MKD 5 million, is intended to strengthen cooperation between business entities from the processing industry and universities through the implementation of joint projects.
This measure supports new initiatives in the field of research, development, innovation, knowledge and technology transfer, internationalization and smart specialization. Projects may also include the use of university laboratories for testing and research, improvement of technological processes and products, introduction of a circular economy, green and digital transformation, expert analyses, consultations and specialized training.
The Ministry provides 70 percent of the proven costs, but up to a maximum of MKD 500.000 per applicant. Business entities from the processing industry in accordance with the NKD Rev. 2.1, which have at least five employees on an indefinite full-time basis before the announcement of the Public Call, have the right to participate.
The second Public Call has a total budget of MKD 2 million and is intended to reimburse part of the costs of companies for the procurement, implementation and certification of horizontal and other standards, standardization documents and reports necessary for the development and application of socially acceptable practices, internationalization and greater competitiveness.
After this Call, the Ministry also covers 70 percent of the proven costs, but up to MKD 200.000 per applicant.
The support also includes the preparation of reports related to SA 8000, BSCI, SMETA, GOTS and STEP, as well as reports on ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance standards and practices and reports according to the ESRS standard. Proven costs incurred in 2025 and 2026 will be recognized.
"With the second Call, we want to help companies raise their standards and meet modern market demands. Today, competitiveness does not only mean producing and selling, but also working according to standards that open up opportunities for internationalization and cooperation with foreign partners. That is why we also support certification, ESG and ESRS practices and other standards that are important for the future development of companies," emphasized Durmishi.
Applications for both Public Calls can be submitted no later than September 15, 2026, in a sealed envelope to the Archives of the Ministry of Economy and Labor, ul. "Jurij Gagarin" No. 15, Skopje, or by registered mail.
The necessary forms and additional information are available on the website of the Ministry of Economy and Labor, and for additional information, companies can contact the phone numbers: 02/3093-475 and 02/3093-403.