North Macedonia is seeking to deepen its economic ties with Japan, focusing on attracting further investment and strengthening existing partnerships. Minister of European Affairs, Orhan Murtezani, representing VLEN, recently concluded a visit to Japan where he met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and key Japanese business leaders.

The discussions centered on expanding cooperation in areas such as tourism, healthcare, environmental protection, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to foster local economic development and build a more sustainable development model.

A key point of emphasis during the meetings was the potential opening of a JICA office in Skopje. This initiative is viewed as a way to intensify coordination, strengthen institutional cooperation, and facilitate the implementation of new projects. The presence of a JICA office would serve as a central point of contact for long-term projects.

Japan has already invested over $421 million in North Macedonia through JICA, supporting vital sectors of the economy. These investments are seen as having brought tangible benefits to the citizens. VLEN views the partnership with Japan as part of a broader strategy to enhance institutional capacities and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Looking ahead to 2025, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing new initiatives, particularly in the tourism sector, to support SMEs.