Implementing the Digital Agenda and setting up Single Digital Market are preconditions for creating a competitive economy, based on sound, sustainable, inclusive development, Macedonian Economy Minister Valon Saraqini said Friday in Copenhagen in his address at the three-day informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET).

Today, European ministers responsible for industrial policy and the single market met to discuss how to best unleash the potential of the Digital Single Market in the EU to the benefit of European companies and consumers.

Ole Sohn, Minister for Commerce and Growth of current EU Presidency holder Denmark, opened the meeting, also attended by the European Commissioners for Internal Market and Services, and Digital Agenda.

In his address, Saraqini referred to Macedonia's achievements in meeting the goals of the EU 2020 Strategy and the Digital Agenda, saying that the Union has been the country's top trade partner and investor.

Exchanging experiences with the EU members is vital for Macedonia's inclusion in all initiatives for developing the Single European Market.

2012 marks the 20 year anniversary of the launch of the Single Market. During the Danish Presidency the EU will negotiate a reform of the Single Market. The so-called Single Market Act. It is the single largest overhaul of basic single market legislation since the creation of the Single Market 20 years ago.

Among other things the aim is to create a Digital Single Market. During the Danish Presidency, the EU will also deliberate on the proposal for the new EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation – Horizon 2020 – and discuss the new EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda.