Government delegation led by the Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, accompanied by the External Advisor to the Prime Minister, Vladimir Peshevski, participated in the first EU-Western Balkans Investment Forum, which is being held in Tirana, Albania.
The event was opened by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, as a strategic step towards the region's economic integration with the European Union. The forum represents an opportunity to encourage foreign direct investment, innovation and accelerate economic convergence between European and Balkan economies.
Within the framework of the forum, Von der Leyen announced that the "Artificial Intelligence Factory Antennas" (AIFA) program is expanding to the Western Balkan countries, with one of the first antennas to be opened in North Macedonia.
"We will start with two antennas in North Macedonia and Serbia, introducing a fast digital backbone across the region and enabling companies from all six partners to connect to Europe's artificial intelligence factories," said Von der Leyen.
Minister Durmishi welcomed the initiative, noting that the opening of the artificial intelligence antenna represents a strong boost for the digital economy of North Macedonia.
"This cooperation is proof that the country is recognized as a reliable and innovative partner in the European digital network. It is an opportunity for our companies, startups and researchers to become part of the European flows of technology and knowledge," said Durmishi.
He added that the Government is working to create a competitive and sustainable economy, with a focus on energy transition, human capital development, and the integration of local companies into European value chains.
"We see North Macedonia as a bridge between the region and the European Union - an economy that creates trust, predictability and new opportunities for citizens and investors," the Minister emphasized.
During the forum, Minister Durmishi held several bilateral meetings with representatives from neighboring countries, Europe, and potential investors, presenting the investment model that positions North Macedonia as an attractive destination for foreign companies.
The first EU-Western Balkans Investment Forum represents a strategic platform for strengthening economic cooperation and accelerating the region's integration into the European market, which will benefit both the Western Balkan countries and the European Union.
