"For a small economy like Macedonia's, exports are essential for our survival—both as companies and as a country—to generate higher revenue for businesses and employees and to create competitive products with greater added value," stated Gligor Cvetanov, CEO of one of Macedonia's most successful companies, Makprogres from Vinica, in the latest episode of the Business Club podcast with Branko Azeski.

During the discussion, Cvetanov emphasized that exports require a specific approach that drives the creation of value-added products. This process demands high-quality products, well-packaged for competitiveness, ambition to enter markets, and the knowledge of how to offer them. Beyond companies improving their products and services, he stressed the need for institutional support from the state, similar to Türkiye’s approach to supporting its business community, by facilitating access to foreign markets through duty-free exports. He noted that due to an unsigned agreement on Macedonia's part, companies exporting to Near Eastern countries currently pay higher customs duties.

"We have a favorable business environment: we are a member of CEFTA and EFTA for free trade and have an agreement with the EU that allows duty-free exports. However, there are other markets, such as the Maghreb countries and the Near East, where the EU has signed the Pan-Euro-Med Convention. We are part of this, but we cannot engage in free trade with these countries because we have not signed the agreement. It only requires signing the agreement to enable free trade," Cvetanov pointed out.

In his conversation with Azeski, Gligor Cvetanov, M.A., also underscored the importance of new investments and highlighted several key areas where economic policymakers need to focus: 1) Eradicating the grey economy by regulating digital sales, which often occur without fiscal receipts, and enhancing the capacity of the Public Revenue Office for better field control; 2) Providing cheaper energy—the construction of gas pipelines has yet to fulfill its intended purpose; 3) Improving education, particularly higher education, as there is a significant disconnect between the academia and the business community in terms of workforce skill development; and 4) Enhancing administrative efficiency, as time is a critical factor in business; delays can result in financial losses and missed opportunities.

"In the business world, opportunities change rapidly. If we don't seize them in time, the moment passes, and someone else—possibly a competitor—takes advantage instead. Any lost time means permanently lost opportunities that won’t return," Cvetanov explained.

Gligor Cvetanov began his professional career at the age of 20 in his family’s company, Makprogres DOO Vinica, working in nearly every department before becoming CEO. He regularly attends international trade fairs, gathering creative ideas to apply in the company’s operations.

Makprogres is a family-owned company with over 600 employees and an annual turnover of approximately €37 million. It has been the leading food exporter from Macedonia for the past 12 years, primarily through its renowned Vincinni brand, which is present in 62 countries worldwide.

Beyond Vincinni, Makprogres is also known for its brands Donia, Sunny Valley, Fantasia, and Natura. A remarkable 80% of its production is exported, with only 20% intended for the domestic market.

The company actively participates in dual education, providing practical training for students from Vancho Prke Secondary School in Vinica and has received a dual education grant from the German Development Bank through the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum.

Additionally, within the company operates the Vincinni Academy, the only fully equipped research and development center in the region, featuring specialized laboratories for innovation and organoleptic analysis.