Political relations between Macedonia and India and possibilities for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation were the focal point of Monday's meeting in New Delhi between countries' premiers, Nikola Gruevski and Manmohan Singh.

"India and Macedonia foster excellent political relations and mutual cooperation within the United Nations. India has been calling Macedonia by its constitutional name in bilateral relations for some time now. The countries have concluded a deal on protection of investments. Now, we launched an initiative to sign an agreement on avoiding double taxation and an array of other accords in relation to free trade, education, culture, fight against terrorism and many others that could strengthen our political and economic relations," PM Gruevski stated after meeting his Indian counterpart.

The meeting, he added, focused on political and economic topics involving international politics and the situation both in Macedonia and India. "He was well-informed about our visit and the meetings organised with a number of investors. The PM voiced support for the forums, because India is an emerging economy with major companies seeking markets in Europe, USA and Australia to invest," Gruevski elaborated.

"Macedonia is being promoted as a destination for Indian companies that want to invest in Europe and to cover the continent and beyond perhaps. We've also shared opinion on the companies that have invested in Macedonia, such as Mittal Steel, Binani Industries and Motherson Group," Gruevski stated.

The PM added that India was a huge market with over one billion and 200 million inhabitants, but that Macedonia as a state with two million inhabitants and its free trade agreements represented a market of 650 million consumers. "Thus, there is space for further cooperation in the frameworks of the UN, for bilateral cooperation in the spheres of economy, investments, education, etc," the Gruevski said.

At the meeting, the Macedonian PM informed Manmohan Singh on Macedonia's economic conditions for domestic and foreign investors - low taxes, low costs for running a business, reduced bureaucratic procedures and international recognitions. "Macedonia in the World Bank's Doing Business report climbed from 94th to 22nd place in only five years, which is an impressive result that is respected and welcomed in India," PM Gruevski stressed.

Monday's meeting was the first time that prime ministers of Macedonia and India met and Gruevski is the first premier who is paying a visit to India.

PM Nikola Gruevski in New Delhi together with his economic team presented Macedonia's investment opportunities before Indian businessmen and held separate meetings with representatives of several companies.