1.     Public Procurement – Procedures should ensure the utilization of a Macedonian reference (domestic companies), especially in procurements financed from the public budget.

2.     Public–Private Partnership – It should be enhanced and positioned at the highest strategic and institutional level.

3.     Economic Diplomacy – The RNM should focus on the economic impact and the benefits for the state and businesses arising from economic activities.

4.     Human Resources Policy in the Public Sector – In the appointment of senior officials in state institutions that influence the business sector, the business community must be consulted.

5.     Financial Discipline – The public sector should meet its obligations to companies in the same way the private sector regularly fulfills its obligations to the state.

Over the past month, I have been in daily contact with businesspeople, whether at their premises or mine. Their concern and persistent sense of uncertainty are evident. Yet, their questions are inevitable:

1.     Does the Government have a concept for dealing with such a difficult challenge?

2.     Does the Government have the personnel capacity to handle this problem?

3.     Does the international community have confidence in the Government?

4.     Is there ego on the part of the current Prime Minister?

Translated into the language of business, this means that uncertainty exists, but there is still hope. 1. Whether the Government has a concept or not—everyone can judge for themselves. My understanding is that the Government and the Prime Minister are persistently engaging in dialogue, talking and talking again, with all stakeholders who can help in this situation, including members of the Economic Chamber. 2. The personnel capacity is a realistic reflection of the strength of the party and its experience. This will be best demonstrated at the critical moments of the crisis. 3. I believe there is international support; however, despite that, we must all roll up our sleeves, increase our engagement, and reduce expenditures. 4. My ego is greater than that of Professor Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, President of the RNM Government.

All of this means little if I do not publicly state that the largest business community in the country has taken a step demonstrating that it can rise above itself. This is a devilishly difficult process, requiring great wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, I would like to publicly state that the three largest business communities in Macedonia—MCC, ECNWM, and ECNM—have signed a platform for joint action. In doing so, they have demonstrated significant capacity to support the state in such moments. We expect the same from all other stakeholders and economic policymakers.

P.S. Special thanks to Goran Gjorgjievski and Nuhi Aliu, who accepted my idea to unite around a common platform, thereby overcoming their own egos. I encourage the Prime Minister to continue visiting one company each day and one business association each month. Persistence and willingness for dialogue should remain his strongest characteristics, as they have been so far. Construction, mining, energy, investments, and exports should be implemented, while issues related to administration, digitalization, and the elimination of corruption should be intensified.

We also encourage and extend a hand to the Government for continued sincere cooperation. Naturally, this also applies to the opposition, academia, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the media.