Investments in road infrastructure and construction have been the Government's top priority in recent years. This is seen through the large number of built or reconstructed roads and new buildings, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at Thursday's event marking the 45. anniversary of the Macedonian Association of Road Engineers.

PM Gruevski said over 1,000km of roads have been built and reconstructed since 2006, with the construction of motorways Demir Kapija-Smokvica, Miladinovci-Sveti Nikole-Stip and Kicevo-Ohrid to begin in 2014.

"The construction of these motorways, which are part of corridors 8 and 10, is Macedonia's contribution to the European roadmap, thus acknowledging our central position on the Balkans. Over EUR 1 billion will be invested in the construction of motorways, local and regional roads over the next four years", stressed Gruevski.

According to him, benefits from road infrastructure investments are enormous, since many construction companies would be engaged, whereas proper infrastructure is important for domestic and foreign investors.

"Good road infrastructure increases productivity and trade, opens jobs, enables tourism development and more opportunities for economic growth. On the other hand, a proper road network enhances links among citizens, facilitates economic and social ties, improves life in general, as well as freedom of movement and mobility", underlined PM Gruevski.