Iran, Macedonia discuss economic cooperation

Shafei told the gathering that private sectors of the two countries can work together in producing goods with common brand and exporting to regional states.

“Iran is among the countries to recognize Macedonia's dependence on the basis of friendly ties,” he said, noting that Iran views Macedonia as a gateway to enter the Balkans and European states’ markets.

Likewise, Iran with its ancient culture and new economic positions enjoys unique status in the world, Shafei said.

Referring to geographical location of Iran, the Iranian official said that location of the country in a region, where big powers seek various benefits for themselves, has led to promotion of interaction between Iran and other countries.

Iran-Macedonia commercial exchanges reveal that the two countries have not made optimal use of their capacities, he said, noting that the existing facilities should be used in the best manner to give an impetus to economic relations.

Commenting on the capabilities of Iran’s private sector, he said that it is ready to have close cooperation with the country’s economic activists in many fields including engineering, road and bridge construction, agriculture, information technology, shipping, aviation and building refinery.

Meanwhile, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Ange Yushev told the conference that given the two countries’ capacities, their economic exchanges are low.

He further noted that his country plans to attract investment in line with boosting bilateral ties with other countries.

Describing Macedonia as a gate to Europe, Yushev said that the market is very big, as the Iranian and Macedonian companies can work together in the market.

Macedonia is a country in the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991.
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