Macedonia is a small European economy, but one that is emerging and implementing swift reforms, along with significant enhancement of international trade and financial integration, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at a business forum in Beijing, presenting Macedonia's economic and investment policies before 140 representatives of Chinese companies.

He added that the Government's development strategy lies on three main pillars - increased exposure to globalization, creating a business-friendly environment, and significant investment in human capital.

Referring to the liberalized market and procedures for swift company registration, Gruevski stressed the possibilities and comparative advantages that Macedonia offers to Chinese companies that would open businesses in the country.

"It is important to highlight there are tariff and non-tariff barriers for Chinese companies and products in many European countries. Macedonia has no such barriers. Companies locating in Macedonia with the intention to cover the European market can export their products without any limitations", said PM Gruevski.

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) President Wan Jifei voiced satisfaction from the increase of bilateral economic cooperation.

"In the interest of efforts towards the enhancement of business ties between the two countries, the Chinese Government provides enormous support to companies for realization of business operations with Macedonian counterparts. Renowned companies have already launched or are interested in doing business in Macedonia", added Jifei.

Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski, Minister for Attraction of Foreign Investments Vele Samak, and Director of Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion Visar Fida also presented Macedonia's investment opportunities, referring to the country's macroeconomic indicators, projects in the fields of energy, tourism and infrastructure, tax facilitation and exemptions, benefits offered in technological-industrial development zones.

The Beijing business forum was organized by the CCPIT, which has jurisdictions in implementing large international projects in the areas of trade, infrastructure, energy and industry, with current investment projects exceeding US$ 30 billion.

Earlier, the Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion and CCPIT signed a cooperation memorandum, aimed at enhancing communication, cooperation, experience exchange among commercial entities, as well as enlargement of cooperation in all fields of mutual interest between the two institutions.