We expect Macedonia to finish 2014 with EUR 350 million of foreign investments. This increase compared to last year is owed to the interest of investors due to the favorable business environment, as well as the rising capital investments in infrastructure, said Economy Minister Valon Saraqini on Thursday.

"Foreign investments in 2013 contributed to exports amounting to EUR 760 million, which represents a 25-percent share in the total exports of the country", said Saraqini after a meeting with the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) in the Economic Chamber of Macedonia.

According to him, an additional benefit from the foreign investors is the diversification of exported products.

"Over the past few years, Macedonia's traditional exports from the metal, textile and chemical industries have been accompanied by products from the automotive sector, as well as other added value products", stressed Minister Saraqini, adding the state has equally treated domestic and foreign investors.

FIC president Juan Pedro Jimenez Navarro said foreign investors had no problems operating in Macedonia, but still faced certain difficulties from the aspect of administrative procedures, legal issues and human resources.

"There is huge interest for cooperation with Macedonian companies, but we must function as partners in this process", said Navarro.

He said a database of Macedonian companies-potential suppliers of foreign investors is to be developed.

Today's meeting tackled a number of issues, including the sooner completion of the White Book containing all suggestions and proposals by investors for better operations.