Vice-Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski and Matteo Rivellini, Head of European Investment Bank (EIB) Department for Western Balkans, expressed satisfaction Wednesday with the excellent cooperation and readiness for its further development.

EIB loan of EUR 350 million for supporting Macedonian companies through the economic crisis has proven to be very fruitful, as it financed 1,758 projects that created 6, 940 jobs.

The loan contributed to mitigating the consequences of the economic, debt crises in Europe on domestic companies, enabling them to develop and create jobs, Pesevski said.

Pesevski and his guests also reviewed the progress of ongoing EIB-supported projects, notifying the upgrading of the E 75 road (Corridor X), section Demir Kapija - Smokvica, as the most significant.

The completion of this project will substantially improve the transport of goods and service in terms of safety, speed and efficiency, thus contributing to Macedonia's economic prosperity, Pesevski said.