Today's visit is a clear indicator on the readiness for further enhancement of cooperation in the field of trade and investments, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in his address at a business forum in Shanghai.

Gruevski urged Chinese businessmen to visit Macedonia and witness the benefits offered to companies, adding that the Government would always provide support to investors.

"There is strong commitment from both parties for strengthening of economic cooperation. Prime Ministers from Central and Eastern Europe, including myself, recently signed in Warsaw a communique with Chinese PM Wen Jiabao over the importance of closer economic ties", he added.

PM Gruevski delivered the address before over 150 companies, stressing the benefits that Macedonia offered for realization of investments and businesses, as well as the low taxes and labor costs.

"Macedonia has the lowest tax package in Europe, whereas total costs for doing business are also quite low. Moreover, the country has qualified and educated workforce that can contribute to the success of your companies", he emphasized.

Cen Furong, chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce Shanghai (COIC SH), which organized the business forum, voiced his support to intensification of communication among Shanghai and Macedonian companies.

"Macedonia has always represented a significant trading channel, possessing significant mineral raw materials. We will actively encourage Chinese and Shanghai companies and individuals to invest in Macedonia. Shanghai's developed industry, trade and services can help Macedonia in many fields", said Furong.

Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski, Minister without Portfolio Vele Samak and Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion director Visar Fida referred to specific projects in the spheres of energy, mining and tourism, the macroeconomic indicators that guarantee a favorable environment for doing business, and options for investments in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, as well as investment opportunities in agriculture.

Earlier, the Macedonian delegation met with representatives of Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology. Interlocutors exchanged opinions on specific cooperation, as well as conducting an analysis over the possible opening of a branch office or other type of Huawei's presence in Macedonia.

The Macedonian delegation will wrap up the visit to China with Friday's presentation of investment opportunities in Macedonia at a business forum in Hong Kong. In addition, Gruevski will meet with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.