“To move forward, we first need to identify the essence of the problem. We do that, but when it comes to actually solving the problem, we stop there. That’s why we don’t resolve issues — we only address their consequences. Second, we must create conditions for professional institutions by reducing the number of people in the state administration, leaving only true professionals with good working conditions. The state should be an institution that supports the business sector in achieving its goals and plans to deliver results,” said Filip Nikoloski, owner of the iconic Uranija kafeana and a finance and investment expert, in the latest episode of the Business Club podcast with Branko Azeski.

According to Nikoloski, three key steps should form the foundation for getting the country back on track and achieving economic growth and progress:

-       identifying the essence of the problem;

-       solving it; and

-       creating professional institutions with a professional administration.

He emphasized that reforming the public administration is essential to establish a professional and functional system — one that delivers services to businesses promptly, as business operates in an unpredictable environment and cannot afford to wait. Only in this way, he said, can the desired GDP growth of 4% be achieved, since in recent years the growth has been a modest 2%.

“If companies are professional, but they encounter an insufficiently professional state administration and nonfunctional institutions, you automatically face conflict and cannot move in a positive direction,” Nikoloski said.

He added that people are often resistant to change and reluctant to take part in improving processes or solving problems. He noted that the country has good laws but weak implementation, which remains a serious obstacle to the effective functioning of the state.

When asked about the future of Uranija, Nikoloski said that the business operates as a team, involving both employees and loyal guests who have frequented the establishment for years, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. To keep up with modern times, Uranija is introducing operational standards, modernizing processes, and expanding its range of services. The company’s primary goal remains delivering quality service and guest satisfaction.

In the discussion, Nikoloski also highlighted a major challenge facing the entire Macedonian economy — the shortage of labor, which, according to him, will only deepen in the years to come, particularly in the hospitality sector.