The traditionally friendly relations between Macedonia and the Czech Republic should show in the two countries' business communities, and the exceptionally positive political and cultural cooperation should pave the way for further intensification and promotion of economic ties.
This was stated Friday by Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov at a Macedonian-Czech business forum taking place in Ohrid.
"The two countries consider the cooperation in the energy sector as especially important, but also in the areas of renewable resources, small hydro plants development, wind farms, geothermal technologies, mining. Special interest has been noted in the metal and electric industries, the auto-motive industry in terms of connecting Macedonian producers with Czech companies, the chemical industry, environment, agriculture, food processing industry and tourism," Ivanov said.
Czech President Milos Zeman, delighted by Macedonia's beauties, and particularly by Ohrid, has expressed sincere remorse that there are no visits of Czech tourists taking place there.
"The aim of the activities, the businessmen and the politicians is to realize the gaps in the cooperation. Macedonia is a wonderful country, and if we bear in mind that tourism is an industry, there is a gap here that needs to be filled," he said, pointing to the benefits Macedonia has to offer.
At the same time, Zeman criticized the insufficiently used possibilities for Czech investments in Macedonia, noting that it was an omission made by the two countries, listing examples of concrete paradoxical administrative and bureaucratic changes.
"I am convinced that my visit to Macedonia will help in terms of filling the gaps I have pointed to. We already cooperate in the hydro-energy sector and Hydropol has already built seven hydro power plants in Macedonia, which is a good start. Therefore, I honestly hope the meeting today will result with new business contracts, in the spirit of mutual friendship," he said.