President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, together with his associates, held a working meeting with Wouter Van Gulck, Deputy President of Eurochambres and General Manager of the Federation of Belgian Chambers, and Ben Butters, CEO of Eurochambres. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres) in Brussels.

The discussions focused on further strengthening cooperation between the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and Eurochambres, as well as on enhancing the Chamber's involvement in the development of European economic policies and initiatives of interest to the business community. The participants emphasized the importance of a strong and inclusive chamber system that ensures more effective representation of companies' interests, contributes to a better business environment, and delivers tangible added value to its members.

Particular attention was devoted to the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The participants agreed that chambers of commerce play an important role in supporting reform processes, strengthening the competitiveness of companies, and deepening economic cooperation between the European Union and the candidate countries.

In this context, the role of the Western Balkans Six Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) was also highlighted as the region's most representative business network. Through the joint efforts of the six chambers of commerce from the Western Balkans, WB6 CIF can make a significant contribution to regional economic integration and to advancing the interests of companies across the region.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen cooperation through the implementation of new joint projects involving the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Eurochambres, and the chambers of commerce of the Western Balkans. The aim is to facilitate the exchange of best practices, strengthen institutional capacities, and create new opportunities for companies within the European Economic Area.

Founded in Brussels in 1958 as a direct response to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC), Eurochambres is the association of European chambers of commerce and industry. It represents the interests of more than 20 million companies through a network of approximately 1,700 regional and local chambers across Europe. Its main objectives are to:

·         Represent the interests of businesses before the institutions of the European Union;

·         Advocate policies that improve the business environment;

·         Promote cooperation among chambers of commerce and foster international trade.