The Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, together with the Director of the Employment Agency, Seljatin Beljuli, and the UNDP Resident Representative, Armen Grigoryan, today visited the restaurant "Xantika", which is one of the successful examples of green investments and job creation.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that through Measure 8 - "Creating new jobs through green investments", almost 400 new jobs have been created in the private sector so far.
"So far, 228 companies have invested in green solutions - photovoltaic panels, energy efficiency and modern equipment. The companies have invested over MKD200million from their own funds, which is more than the state support. This shows that the Government's policy is not just a subsidy, but a catalyst for private capital and a green economy," Minister Durmishi noted.
A large number of companies have invested in photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, while others have focused on energy efficiency measures (thermal insulation, heat pumps, energy-efficient machinery and equipment).
-Creating new jobs and filling them with appropriate and quality staff is one of the priority commitments of the Employment Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia. Following global trends for the transition to a green economy, the Agency, together with its partners, will continue to implement measures that stimulate the creation of new jobs, especially in companies that introduce green products, services and technologies into their processes - emphasized Seljatin Beljuli, Director of the Employment Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia.
Although investment in the circular economy is still limited, it is encouraging that recognition of the economic and environmental benefits of these practices is growing.
-Together with government partners, the United Nations Development Program has been implementing the measure to support the private sector through green investments for several years. The great interest among applicants is further proof that domestic small and medium-sized companies are aware of the importance of introducing green investments in work processes and creating new jobs that will contribute to a more efficient and faster green transition. UNDP remains committed to its commitment to supporting the private sector by enabling various mechanisms for business growth, emphasized Armen Grigoryan, UNDP Resident Representative in the country.
Financial support for one new job increased from MKD205 thousand in 2022 to MKD250 thousand in 2024, and the total budget for the measure reached MKD93 million (about EUR1.5 million).
The goal for 2025 is to support at least 200 new jobs in a maximum of 200 companies, with the possibility of supporting up to MKD750 thousand per company. In addition, training and advisory services on energy efficiency will be offered to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Minister Durmishi emphasized that the Government will continue with policies that open new opportunities for workers and encourage the private sector, building an economy that moves forward towards sustainable development and a green future.
