Local Cos Start Construction of Production Units in New Industrial Zone in Western Macedonia

“The opening of the industrial complex is part of government efforts to boost the business climate in the country,” the Transport Ministry said in a statement, giving no further information on the value or timeframe of the investment.

Five local companies have started the construction of manufacturing units for  electrical components, metal products, meat, coffee and baked goods in the industrial zone, Macedonian privately-owned broadcaster Sitel said earlier in the day.

“We expect the industrial zone to be ready soon, creating 100 jobs,” the statement quoted Transport Minister Mile Janakievski as saying at the opening ceremony.

The first industrial zone in Macedonia was opened in Bunardzik, near Skopje, in 2006, with Johnson Controls as the first tenant. The U.S. company built a $40 million (28 million euro) factory for electronic components for the automotive industry.

The Macedonian government last November invited investors to express interest in acquiring state-owned land for the development of two industrial zones, in the eastern city of Stip and in Tetovo, in the northernwest of the country.

($=0.7014 euro)