The Business Forum on Road and Energy Infrastructure was successfully held at the Economic Chamber, organized in cooperation with Austrian institutional partners. The event brought together senior government officials, heads of key state institutions and public enterprises, as well as representatives of leading business communities from both countries, opening direct prospects for concrete economic cooperation in upcoming capital investments.

The Forum was opened by the President of the Economic Chamber, Branko Azeski, who emphasized that the top priority for the economy must be practical networking and swift execution on the ground:

“Without fast, modern, and safe roads, without a modernized railway system, and without a predictable, sustainable energy system, the Macedonian economy cannot make a real breakthrough. Macedonian companies must not remain merely passive observers, but equal partners in the major infrastructure investments ahead. The domestic business community possesses the knowledge, capacity, and drive to serve as an equal partner in the delivery of these complex projects.”

The Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, presented the investment potential in renewable energy sources and the challenges of the green transition:

“Our focus is placed on accelerating the energy transition, ensuring power grid stability, deploying battery storage systems, and unlocking the potential of green hydrogen. These are modern technological segments where cooperation with experienced Austrian companies can intensify immediately and significantly toward achieving long-term energy independence.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Aleksandar Nikoloski, noted that transport connectivity and regional corridors are essential prerequisites for accelerated economic growth and for strengthening Macedonian export capacity:

“Macedonia is entering a major investment cycle in road and rail transport, especially along Corridors 8 and 10. Austria possesses advanced technologies, equipment, and long-standing engineering expertise that are vital for our market, and our sincere expectation is for Austrian companies to forge solid partnerships with domestic construction capacities through joint ventures.”

Following the plenary session, the focus shifted entirely to practical business engagements. In a highly dynamic working atmosphere, over 80 bilateral meetings were held. These sessions encompassed intensive institutional consultations with relevant ministries and public enterprises regarding regulatory frameworks and planned capital projects, alongside numerous direct B2B discussions between business leaders from both countries. This direct dialogue laid solid groundwork for consortium formation, high-level technology transfer, and joint participation in upcoming tenders across railway automation, road engineering, traffic safety, hydro energy, and advanced water resource management.