On 31 January 2025, the sixth session of the National Export Council (NEC) was held in a new format and composition, during which the Chamber’s new export concept was presented, along with the Council’s work program for 2025.

The President of the National Export Council, Branko Azeski, emphasized at the beginning of the session the importance of the NEC as a platform for public-private dialogue on export-related matters. He highlighted that the new format of the Council, composed of high-ranking public sector representatives, led by the Prime Minister of the RNM, Prof. Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, along with the most successful exporting companies as private sector representatives, serves as a guarantee for jointly developing economic policies that will yield tangible results for national economic development.

According to Azeski, Macedonian products must reach every country worldwide, making export a strategic priority. He stressed that exports are the country’s only real economic opportunity and must be leveraged to create added value.

“I speak plainly and clearly: exports are our only chance. We must generate added value through exports, which will only happen if productivity increases. And that can only be achieved if we all actively participate in the process with responsible and committed behavior. We are on the right path to creating a strong platform because the favorable conditions we have been working on for years are aligning at the perfect moment. In an uncertain global environment shaped by political and geostrategic shifts, we must determine how best to position ourselves,” said Azeski.

At the session, Prof. Dr. Darko Lazarov presented the new export concept developed by the Economic Chamber, which is built on three interconnected pillars: 1. The Exporters’ Club – An operational body with over 250 exporting companies, serving as a key network for knowledge sharing and collaboration; 2. The Export Institute – Provides professional, analytical, educational, and expert services to exporting companies. Through its Training Center, it focuses on developing managerial and workforce capacities within export-oriented companies; 3. The National Export Council (NEC) – A policy advisory body that formulates recommendations and policies aimed at enhancing the export environment.

Additionally, Prof. Lazarov outlined the key priorities for the NEC’s work in 2025, which will focus on strengthening the country’s export competitiveness and enhancing the export readiness of companies, export promotion as a tool for greater visibility and recognition of Macedonian companies and products in regional and global markets, and trade regulations and the business environment within the export ecosystem, ensuring a supportive legal framework for exporters.

The Prime Minister of the RNM, Prof. Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to increase exports and achieve sustainable economic growth.

The NEC is currently developing an Export Program, featuring a comprehensive set of instruments, activities, and tailored support mechanisms for export-oriented companies. The program will be discussed further in upcoming sessions to ensure its effectiveness. Through this structured and systemic approach, the Chamber is demonstrating its dedication to export growth by helping companies enhance their competitiveness and succeed in international markets.