President of the Economic Chamber Azeski at the Macedonia2025 Summit

The President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Branko Azeski, along with representatives from the Chamber’s leadership, attended the 14^th iteration of the Macedonia2025 Summit, held from 12 to 14 May at the Marriott Hotel in Skopje. The Summit is the leading regional event dedicated to economic development, innovation, and technological progress, and this year gathered over 550 participants – including domestic and foreign leaders, businesspeople, diaspora representatives, and members of the academia.

This year’s Summit focused on topics of critical importance for the future of the Macedonian economy, including accelerated economic growth, digital transformation, innovation, and attracting foreign investment. President Azeski took the opportunity to engage in discussions with top leaders and experts from various sectors, aiming to enhance regional cooperation and connect the domestic business sector with global trends.

At the opening of the Summit, introductory remarks were delivered by Viktor Mizo, Chari of the Board of Directors of Macedonia2025, and Prof. Dr. Nikica M. Blazhevski, Executive Director. One of the keynote speakers was Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. The presence of high-ranking government officials and business leaders reaffirmed the Summit’s importance as a strategic platform for shaping policies and visions for the sustainable development of Macedonia.

Yesterday, President of the Economic Chamber Branko Azeski held a working meeting with a delegation from Norway, composed of representatives of the SMB Norge (SME Norway) business association and the Norway-Macedonia Chamber of Commerce based in Oslo. The discussions focused on strengthening business cooperation and exchanging experiences on improving regulations and conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.

The meeting addressed the economic potential of North Macedonia and opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, which is currently at a modest level. Special emphasis was placed on organizing joint activities and events to establish stronger ties between companies from both countries. It was agreed to initiate the formalization of cooperation and to organize a return visit of Norwegian companies to Macedonia in the second half of the year.

According to the latest data, trade between the two countries in 2024 amounted to $11.3 million, marking an increase of 3.42% compared to 2023. Exports reached $5.93 million (a 7.68% increase), while imports totaled $5.45 million. In the first two months of 2025, bilateral trade reached $1.85 million, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Meeting Between President Azeski and EU Member State Representatives in the Country

On the same day, President Azeski also met with the highest-ranking diplomatic representatives of the European Union member states that have embassies in Skopje. The meeting was dedicated to the initiative for establishing the Business Club Europe – a new platform for cooperation between EU diplomatic missions and representatives of the Macedonian business sector.

The idea behind the club is to bring together around twenty prominent Macedonian business owners and managers with EU country representatives, with the sole aim of stimulating economic cooperation with the European Union. The main topics the club will focus on include achieving EU standards, accelerating the flow of goods and services, utilizing EU funds, and promoting European values in domestic business operations.

Participants at the meeting presented constructive proposals, which will be incorporated into the process of constituting the club, scheduled for early June. The newly formed Business Club Europe has already generated significant interest among Macedonian companies, as it represents the first attempt at this type of interactive dialogue with clear goals and content.

Azeski Welcomes Chris Pavlovski’s Companies as Members of the Economic Chamber

Last night, at the exclusive Ria restaurant in Skopje, Economic Chamber President Branko Azeski officially presented Chris Pavlovski with the Chamber’s membership insignia, thereby formally welcoming his company Rumble as a member. The ceremonial dinner, organized by Macedonia2025, was also attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, members of the Macedonia2025 Board of Directors, and the former Prime Minister of Georgia, who is a participant at the Summit.

Azeski emphasized that Macedonia should be proud of individuals like Mr. Pavlovski, who represent not only a role model for young Macedonians, but also that for young entrepreneurs worldwide. Chris Pavlovski, a Canadian of Macedonian descent, is the founder and CEO of the video platform Rumble, founded in 2013. Thanks to his vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Rumble has grown into a global technology company with a market value exceeding $3.6 billion, while Pavlovski’s personal fortune is estimated at around $1.3 billion.

In his address, Mr. Pavlovski expressed gratitude for the recognition and said he was honored and surprised by the gesture. He pledged to do everything in his power to promote Macedonia in the best possible light around the world. He also wished the Economic Chamber continued success and international growth, so it can keep pace with the latest global developments.

Government President Mickoski and Chamber President Azeski before the ceremonial dinner