The western Balkans countries are attractive to investors seeking low-cost locations in Europe. However, a lack of integration is limiting the region's prospects.
Latest articles from Macedonia
Will western Balkans receive EU encouragement?
Albania and North Macedonia are hopeful of being granted official EU accession talks by the end of 2019, with other western Balkan countries watching on keenly.
Macedonia-Greece name change accord is bittersweet for FDI
Greece and Macedonia have signed an accord that formally ends a decades-long dispute. While this is positive news for Macedonia’s EU accession, political tensions have been stoked. Sebastian Shehadi reports.
Macedonia on path to EU says economy minister
Kreshnik Bekteshi, minster of economy for Macedonia, talks to Sebastian Shehadi about its business-friendly incentives and positive steps towards EU integration, and why the country is more than just a source of cheap labour.
The business of managing Macedonia
The successful pursuit of foreign investment to Macedonia in recent years is in no small part down to prime minister Nikola Gruevski's businesslike approach to running his country. He tells Michal Kaczmarski how this approach – combined with a worldwide talent search – is reaping rewards.
FDI into Balkans down in 2013
FDI into countries in the Balkans contracted in 2013, with a drop in the number of jobs created, projects launched and capital invested.
Macedonia uses its EU outsider advantage
Macedonia’s finance minister and deputy PM, Zoran Stavreski, explains why his country’s EU candidate status allows it greater flexibility on taxes and incentives than other countries in the union can offer
Macedonia raises its game
The republic of Macedonia has undergone a radical transformation in recent years thanks to its government's efforts to revitalise the country's economy, business environment and the look of its capital city, Skopje. The result is new buildings, new businesses and record inflows of FDI.
Macedonia seeks to revive textiles industry
For decades the textiles industry was Macedonia's specialty, but the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s caused production to slow dramatically. However, the industry is showing signs of a revival, led by the likes of Comfy Angel and Moda Sveti Nikole, both of which have attracted interest from western Europe.
Macedonia switches on to IT
While some IT hotspots in central and eastern Europe are overheating, with rising demand leading to a hike in wage expectations, Macedonia is positioning itself to take advantage, investing in developing the IT expertise of its graduates and establishing a business incubator to assist new businesses.
Global greenfield investment trends
Crossborder investment monitor
|
fDi Markets is the only online database tracking crossborder greenfield investment covering all sectors and countries worldwide. It provides real-time monitoring of investment projects, capital investment and job creation with powerful tools to track and profile companies investing overseas.
Corporate location benchmarking tool
fDi Benchmark is the only online tool to benchmark the competitiveness of countries and cities in over 50 sectors. Its comprehensive location data series covers the main cost and quality competitiveness indicators for over 300 locations around the world.
Research report
fDi Intelligence provides customised reports and data research which deliver vital business intelligence to corporations, investment promotion agencies, economic development organisations, consulting firms and research institutions.
Find out more.