The main idea of the business club is to have the largest 15 companies that participate in the trade relations between North Macedonia and Croatia.
Secretary Vito Mitrovski, for Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, talks about the structure of economic cooperation between Croatia and North Macedonia, positioning in the markets and activities of the Macedonian-Croatian Business Club.
- What is the structure of imports and exports, which branches dominate on both sides and what do the numbers show?
The structure of imports in Croatia from Macedonian companies significantly differentiates from the export of Croatian producers in North Macedonia.Namely, the import in North Macedonia is characterised by a higher growth. However, it is with good representation and common efforts in the marketing of Macedonian companies, as well as highlighting the quality of the North Macedonian products, that such a structure will change. Currently, North Macedonian export to Croatia is dominated by products of the food industry-production of wine, greens, biscuits, confectionery, waffles as well as exports of iron, steel and aluminium. The structure of the import to North Macedonia from Croatian companies is spread across several categories with the most significant being: sugar cane, sugar beet, chemical products, bottles, syringes, medicine, jars, pots, ampoules and other food products.
- What barriers exist in the development of relationships and how to overcome them?
The main obstacles between the size of exports and imports are often the deviation, differentiations in tariffs- in essence the taxes on imported goods. There are also other non-tariff obstacles that come in the form of national trade regulations for purchase and control of trade. With their positive modification and significant reduction, a great part of the export/import bans could be avoided which would facilitate the trade relationship between the two countries.
- Where is there room for improvement, in which areas and in what way?
Having in mind the shared history of culture, languages and proximity between North Macedonia and Croatia, space for improvement is seen in the production of items in the food industry- wine, confectionery, greens, waffles, as well as medicine, chemical products, construction materials and companies. Successfully targeted efforts in analysis of the demand in the Croatian market, studies of their national regulations, controls, purchasing structure and power, would enable a proper modification of the Macedonian product, so that it becomes a better fit for the targeted market.
- Which businessmen and business entities will be part of the Club and how will the Club operate?
The main idea of the business club is to have the largest 15 companies that participate in the trade relations between North Macedonia and Croatia. The goal of the club is the promotion of both markets, improving the effectiveness in bringing both economies in closer economic ties, and resultingly, expanding the members of the club. The club will provide a positive marketing for the companies, increase networking opportunities, access to development plans and ideas and overall increased communication among participants which will result in an increase of product and service placements in the Macedonian and Croatian markets.