Representatives from a number of Chinese construction companies and from the Chinese International Contractors Association met with the Macedonian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Mile Janakieski in Skopje on Wednesday, where they discussed possibilities for further projects.

Janakieski, as the Ministry informed, spoke about the good political relations between Macedonia and China, and said that Macedonia is prepared to use all venues available to further the cooperation in the infrastructure, railroad transportation, energy production and other areas.

“Bearing in mind the Chinese strategic decision to focus on Europe, and the fact that Macedonia is right along the trade routes for Chinese goods arriving in Europe, our interest is obvious. We want to hear about the key Chinese projects that are supported by their companies”, Minister Janakieski said at the meeting.

Chi Changhai, the Deputy President of the Association, said that the there is good cooperation between Macedonian institutions and the Chinese companies that are already doing business in Macedonia, and there are plans to expand in the future. Janakieski and Changhai noted that Macedonia is the first country to use funds from the 10 billion dollars package allotted by China for economic cooperation with Central and South-Eastern Europe.

“Minister Janakieski added that the Republic of Macedonia welcomes all measures and projects that will allow better and faster economic development, and that Macedonia is prepared to be a sure partner for China in the region. He pointed out that Chinese companies are already working on the two major highway projects, the “Goce Delcev” highway connecting Skopje to Stip, and the ‘Mother Teresa’ highway from Kicevo to Ohrid. Other projects include the purchase of 202 new Chinese busses for the Skopje city transportation company”, the Ministry reported following the meeting.

Macedonia signed a deal to build the two major new highways with the Chinese Sinohydro company. The deal is worth USD 580 million and the two highways are in an initial stage of construction.

Minister Janakieski added that Macedonia remains open to all investors interested to come and work in Macedonia.

“Our goal is to continue to promote and build on the possibilities to invest in the country, to be fully open for Chinese companies and use the productive spirit of the trade cooperation between Macedonia and China. In China we see an economic giant who has a major impact on the World economic flows”, Minister Janakieski concluded.

 

(Source: MIA)