The Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, participated today in the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting within the framework of the Berlin Process in Berlin, at the panel "Promoting Employment: Effective Strategies for Resilient and Inclusive Labor Markets".
In his address, Minister Durmishi emphasized that North Macedonia remains committed to implementing reforms that will contribute to a stronger, more flexible and more competitive labor market, harmonized with European standards and policies.
He pointed out that among the biggest challenges facing the country are the mismatch between labor supply and demand, the shortage of qualified personnel, the emigration of youth, and the presence of the informal economy.
"Although there is significant number of active job seekers, companies are facing shortage of staff with appropriate skills. Therefore, it is necessary to better harmonize education with the needs of the real sector, create better quality jobs and transform towards an economy with higher added value," Durmishi emphasized.
The Minister informed that the Government is actively implementing employment measures through operational plans, with a special focus on training in real working conditions, support for self-employment and entrepreneurship development.
"In the past year alone, over 2.500 grants were awarded for opening one's own business, and this year, employment measures will cover more than 10.000 unemployed persons, for which around EUR40 million have been provided," the Minister noted.
Durmishi emphasized that North Macedonia is also actively working on the implementation of the reform agenda within the framework of the European Union's Growth Plan, as well as the Common Regional Market, with the aim of greater economic competitiveness, a better business climate and greater mobility of the workforce in the region.
He added that the state will continue with reforms aimed at recognizing qualifications and diplomas, facilitating access to work permits, and creating a more flexible and integrated regional labor market.
"The Berlin Process represents an important mechanism for strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating European integration in the Western Balkans, and North Macedonia remains an active and committed partner in that process," said Minister Durmishi.
