Macedonia's business presentation in Hong Kong, the first of this type, marks the end of the visit by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and a Government delegation to the People's Republic of China.

"The first steps in Hong Kong are excellent and in line with our expectations. As planned, we presented Macedonia's advantages for doing business compared to other European countries, such as low costs, low taxes, competitive salaries. Most of businessmen here were not aware of this, making the presentation an excellent opportunity to explain in details", said PM Gruevski after the business forum.

Talks with businessmen tackled the education level of staff in Macedonia and other aspects that make the country one of the most attractive investment destinations in Europe.

"Some of the attending businessmen said they would visit Macedonia and witness investment possibilities on the spot. These are the first steps made in this market", stressed Gruevski.

According to him, the Hong Kong market is very interesting, since it hosts investors and businessmen from England, United States, Germany, Japan, Australia etc.

"The presentation was attended by businessmen from China, India, Europe etc, who have their companies here due to the tax benefits offered by Hong Kong, which is considered one of the best business destinations in Asia", added Gruevski.

In his forum address, the PM said Macedonia is a top reformer in Southeast Europe, with foreign investors having open access to a market of over 660 million consumers on the continent.

"We have a macroeconomic surrounding that stimulates entrepreneurial confidence, whereas tax burden is quite low according to international standards", said Gruevski.

He also referred to the benefits in special economic and development zones, including tax and customs fees exemptions, subsidies for construction and training of employees, favorable lease of land etc.

The Agency for Foreign Investments and export Promotion signed a cooperation memorandum with the Hong Kong Investment Agency and Chamber of Commerce, providing a formal framework for enhancement of contacts, experience exchange and joint participation in commercial-technical analyses for realization of investment projects.

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, PM Gruevski met with Simon Galpin, Director General of Hong Kong Investment Promotion. Interlocutors voiced belief over the further intensification of cooperation and communication with regards to investing in the Republic of Macedonia.

"Hong Kong is among the leading countries in global terms regarding the value of realized investments towards foreign entities. The presentation of opportunities before our companies can accelerate the establishment of contacts and viewing Macedonia as a potential investment destination of Hong Kong companies", said Galpin.

The Macedonian delegation will also visit the Hong Kong stock exchange, while Gruevski is set to meet with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The China visit also included business presentations in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Qingdao.