Horticulture and Macedonia may not be the most obvious combination, but according to the Macedonian Secretary of Foreign Investments there are certainly opportunities for the agricultural sector in the country. There is land with geothermal energy available and there are export opportunities to Russia, Turkey and the Middle East. Earlier this month, those interested were able to learn more about this during a business forum on agro-industry in TomatoWorld.
Bill Pavlevski, Minister of Foreign Investments
De Demokwekerij, Van der Windt Verpakkingen, sierteeltkwekerij SV and Dynaplant received a special visit by a Macedonian delegation. The reason for the visit is the Macedonian economy, which is looking for foreign companies wishing to invest in the country. A Minister of Foreign Investments was appointed specially for this purpose: Bill Pavlevski.
Sjaak van der Tak sees opportunities.
Bill Pavlevski visited to introduce Dutch investors to the country's opportunities.
Trade
According to Pavlevski, Macedonia may be small, but that is no obstacle. On the contrary, it is necessary for the country to trade with other countries, meaning trade agreements are well organized. Not only with EFTA, CEFTA and the European Union (Macedonia is a candidate member) but also with Turkey and Russia. Macedonia now wants to further stimulate the economy with the help of foreign investors, offering tax benefits, educating highly skilled people and low land prices. "We not only have a good climate, but also a good business climate," says Pavlevski. "And in terms of logistics, we are in an interesting position."
Iwan van der Knaap, Anthura
Vojo Kostadinov and Edwin Roos of R&S Holland
R&S Holland
Among those poised to work in Macedonia is Dutch company R&S Holland. The company operates in the cultivation of sterile tissue. It will be the third location for the company: in South Africa, they also have a production site. As the business grows, a location in Europe is important to the customers. The choice fell on Macedonia. "The conditions are good and people are motivated and responsibility," says Edwin Roos of R&S.
Ben Burger and Arjan Kouwenhoven (FormFlex)
Michael Ploeg from Codema Systems Group with Siana Zhelyazkova from Royal Brinkman.
Cees Koornstra of Erasmus Group, with Bob Hunsche of Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects
Peter van der Leest and Stef Schreuder of Erasmus Group.
Mariska Dreschler of GreenTech.
Martin van Wirdum of Alfa Accountants with Iwan van der Knaap
Cees Koornstra with Ferdi van Elswijk (Prominent)
More information:
Doing Business in Macedonia
vedat.rushid@investinmacedonia.com