Twenty-four institutions are linked in a state optical network, which is to enable savings, increased speed in data transfer and greater efficiency in operations.

Minister of Information Society and Administration Ivo Ivanovski presented Tuesday the opportunities of the optical network, located in the State Statistical Office.

MKD 8 million (EUR 130,000) have been allocated for the project, implemented by Makedonski Telekom in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior.

"The state optical network will enable greater speed in data transfer, increased data security and more e-services for citizens, which results in reduction of costs", said Ivanovski.

He announced the optical network would also open room for new IT projects, such as internet telephony, centralized system for document management among all institutions that issue documents or provide other services for citizens or companies.

The new system links the Government's secretariats, all ministries, Parliament, Customs Administration, Public Revenue and Registers' Management Offices, and the President's Office.