FYR Macedonia and Israel have shown interest in economic cooperation. It is expected customs barriers to be lifted and FYR Macedonia's external trade deficit to be solved with the signing of a free trade agreement.

There is interest in cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, renewable energy sources, medicine and information technology.

(FYR) Macedonia's Economy Minister Valon Saraqini stated Tuesday before the annual assembly of the (FYR) Macedonian-Israeli Business Club that FYR Macedonia had launched an initiative for signing of a free trade agreement in an attempt to enhance countries' business cooperation.

"For us it's important all customs barriers to be eliminated in order our products to be available on the Israeli market. Both countries have shown great interest in economic cooperation. We want to attract investments from Israel, especially those related to energy, road infrastructure and tourism," Saraqini said.

He added that government's measures and activities aimed at making FYR Macedonia an attractive destination for tourists from Israel.

Officials of the (FYR) Macedonian-Israeli Business Club said they hoped that bilateral economic cooperation would be intensified in the future. Several business forums are planned to be organised this year.

FYR Macedonia's export in Israel is estimated at one million dollars, while Israeli products are imported in FYR Macedonia in amount of 19 million dollars i.e. FYR Macedonia's deficit stands at 18 million. Source: Government