Macedonia and Hungary this year in times of crisis recorded an increase in trade in the first nine months estimated at half a million dollars. In general, Macedonia also recorded a 20% increase in export for the same period.

This was stated by Minister of Economy Valon Saraqini at the second session of the Macedonian-Hungarian mixed inter-governmental commission on business cooperation held Wednesday in Skopje.

"It has to be emphasized that in times of crisis when the countries in the region experienced a drop in trade, Macedonia recorded a significant increase and not only with Hungary. Macedonia's export for the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 rose by nearly 20%," stated Saraqini.

The trade growth with Hungary came as a result of several organized meetings and a business forum, including several agreements signed by the countries, according to him.

Saraqini co-chaired the second session of the mixed inter-governmental commission with Peter Szijjarto - state secretary for foreign policy and international trade at the Hungarian PM's office.

The premiers of Macedonia and Hungary on Thursday in Skopje will open a business forum that is expected to bring together Macedonian and Hungarian companies in a bid to discuss ways for business cooperation, it was announced at the event.

State secretary Szijjarto speaking from a political point of view urged Macedonia's EU integration process to be accelerated. "With respect to this issue, Macedonia can count on Hungary's support."

Referring to economic cooperation, he said it was being realized according to plan adding that cooperation contracts were to be signed tomorrow in the field of water management, tourism, trade and education.

The Macedonia-Hungarian mixed inter-governmental commission will hold its next session in 2014.