Budva, 30 September, 2026
The Minister of Economy and Labour, Besar Durmishi, participated in a conference in Budva and a Ministerial Meeting in Cetinje within the framework of the Berlin Process. Discussions at both events focused on strengthening the Common Regional Market and accelerating the economic integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
Durmishi pointed out that the region already possesses industrial capacity, a skilled workforce, and companies linked to European manufacturers, yet cooperation among the economies remains below its potential. According to him, the next step is for domestic companies to integrate into regional supply chains and develop products and services with higher added value.
"Our goal is not for North Macedonia to be merely a production location. We want domestic companies to become stronger suppliers, develop their own products and technologies, and play a greater role in European value chains. To achieve this, we need a better-connected regional market, a skilled workforce, and increased investment in innovation," said Durmishi.
At the Ministerial Meeting, he emphasized that the implementation of the measures agreed upon within the framework of the Common Regional Market should become a priority. As he pointed out, the mutual recognition of documents and qualifications, the acceptance of electronic signatures, and the interconnection of digital systems will save time and costs for companies operating across multiple markets in the region.
"We already have strategies, agreements, and action plans. Now we need to show results that companies and citizens will feel. When a procedure can be completed digitally and a document issued in one economy is recognized in another, regional integration will become a tangible benefit for business," the Minister pointed out.
Durmishi stated that a stronger regional market would enable companies to grow and attract investment more easily, and allow economies to move more quickly towards the European Single Market.
