"As a country, we need to focus on infrastructure development, and it should be a priority for the entire Balkans. Without infrastructure, there is no economic development, which in turn drives people to emigrate," stated Antonio Argir, an experienced banking leader with over 25 years of experience, in the latest episode of the Business Club podcast with Branko Azeski.

During the conversation, Argir emphasized that the lack of well-developed infrastructure is a responsibility we must place on ourselves. According to him, if infrastructure were properly developed, access to essential resources would be faster, and there would be fewer reasons for population migration, especially from smaller towns.

In the podcast, Argir also discusses his time in Slovenia as a member of the Management Board of the NLB Group, where he was responsible for governance, payments, and innovation. Comparing the Slovenian and Macedonian people, he pointed out that both nations share a similar history, having never had a monarchy and having been under the rule of larger empires, such as the Ottoman Empire and Austro-Hungary. However, the key difference, in his view, is that Slovenians are diligent, hardworking, and disciplined.

As the podcast continued, the discussion shifted to banking operations. According to Argir, managing other people’s money carries greater responsibility than handling one’s own funds. For him, banking is one of the pillars of state stability, despite negative perceptions surrounding the industry.

"Banking is one of the pillars of our country’s stability, not just financially but in a broader sense. Banks, including the National Bank, played a crucial role during many crises – from the Kosovo conflict to the domestic conflict we experienced, as well as the financial and political crises. The role of banking in Macedonia is highly significant," emphasized Antonio Argir.

When asked about the excessive regulations imposed on banks, which complicate business operations, Argir explained that this is a consequence of the global financial crisis from several years ago. In his view, regulations have made banking more transparent, secure, resilient, and sustainable. However, he noted that the problem arose when new standards were introduced, while clients were not fully prepared for such changes.

The podcast also covered Argir’s professional growth at NLB Bank AD Skopje, where he began his career as a loan officer for long-term and investment credits. He then moved up the ranks, becoming Assistant Director of the Business Sector and later a Member of the Bank’s Management Board. In 2016, due to his leadership skills and deep understanding of local and regional markets, he was appointed President of the Management Board and CEO of NLB Bank Skopje. During his two consecutive terms, the bank’s stock value increased fivefold over six years, and NLB became the most recognized and innovative banking brand in the Macedonian market.

At the same time, Argir actively participated in major strategic projects for the state. He attributes his success to several key factors: a clear vision and a precise goal for achieving it, a strong team, financial resources, but also passion and energy for success, which he draws from his team and the clients he serves.