During its 2024 chairing of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC), the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia focused on exports, investments, and infrastructure as key drivers of increased productivity and growth, facilitating trade, regional connectivity, and enhanced economic cooperation.

In his opening address, Antoni Peshev, MBA, Executive Director of the Chamber, emphasized that transport connectivity among Balkan countries is crucial for facilitating trade, accelerating transport, and ensuring more efficient regional integration. This, in turn, enhances the competitiveness of companies and improves the business environment. Peshev also addressed the serious global economic challenges expected in 2025, including the unpredictability of the business climate and the escalation of tariffs, which could significantly impact businesses operating in global supply chains.

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a central force in global business and innovation. Although AI technology is advancing rapidly, its full impact on the workforce and industries has yet to be realized. The year 2025 could be pivotal for AI’s further development—either transforming industries or facing obstacles that slow its progress," Peshev highlighted.

At the General Assembly of the Association of Balkan Chambers in Skopje, Vice President of the Government and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski stated that the government has launched an ambitious infrastructure development agenda to leverage the country's strategic position as a Balkan crossroads for economic benefit.

Nikoloski outlined government plans for road and railway infrastructure, highlighting efforts to modernize Pan-European Corridors 8 and 10, as well as Corridor 10-d.

"We have reached an agreement with Greece to significantly expand the Bogorodica border crossing to 12 lanes. We are also in intense discussions with Serbia to establish full functionality for a One-Stop Shop at the border. By April, we expect to have a One-Stop Shop in place with Kosovo. Meanwhile, we are working intensively on expanding and modernizing the border crossings at Kjafasan and Deve Bair," Nikoloski stated.

Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), emphasized that the Balkan region—rich in history, culture, and economic potential—has long been a global trade hub. However, to fully capitalize on this strategic position, the region must develop modern, efficient, and interconnected infrastructure, which is not just an advantage but a necessity.

"Our regional trade has exceeded €40 billion, while Turkish investments in the Balkans amount to over €5 billion. Turkish construction companies play a key role in regional infrastructure development, with investments exceeding €25 billion, contributing to economic growth and prosperity. Despite global challenges and instability, we have successfully opened new pathways for enhanced trade, economic integration, and regional development through dialogue and cooperation," Hisarcıklıoğlu stated.

During the panel discussion on Balkan transport connectivity, regional chambers of commerce jointly recognized that competitiveness depends on improving infrastructure, specifically by upgrading road and rail transport corridors. The ultimate goal remains the full integration of the Balkan transport sector into the EU market.

Regarding ABC’s priorities, the progress in implementing “Green Lanes” between the EU and the Western Balkans was welcomed, with a call for their expansion to all relevant borders, ensuring full compliance with EU regulations.

However, challenges persist, and the infrastructure gap remains evident. Bridging this gap is not only crucial for individual countries but also for the region’s ability to compete globally and attract new investments, concluded the event’s speakers.

The General Assembly also addressed current economic issues affecting Balkan countries, including their EU accession prospects and the importance of trade and economic integration within the region.

In 2025, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro will take over the presidency of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC).

The Association of Balkan Chambers is an organization representing 10 chambers of commerce from the Balkan region. In 2024, ABC celebrated 30 years since its establishment, with the goal of enhancing regional cooperation and economic integration. The ABC member chambers include: Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Albania, Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce (Greece), Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB).