Export Promotion Strategy of the Republic of North Macedonia 2024–2027

The Export Promotion Strategy 2024–2027 is a key national strategic document that establishes a comprehensive framework for supporting domestic companies in their internationalization efforts and expansion into foreign markets. The Strategy aims to increase exports, diversify export products and destination markets, generate higher domestic value added, and strengthen the integration of North Macedonian companies into regional and global supply chains.

Vision and Strategic Objective

The Strategy’s vision is to build a competitive, innovative, and export-oriented economy in which domestic enterprises successfully compete in international markets and create greater value within the country. It recognizes exports as one of the principal drivers of sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards.

Why the Strategy Was Adopted

Although North Macedonia has recorded strong export growth over the past decade, several structural challenges remain:

• Exports are concentrated in a limited number of products and markets;
• A significant share of exports contains relatively low domestic value added;
• A small number of large companies account for most export activity;
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have substantial untapped export potential.

The Strategy addresses these challenges by introducing a coordinated and systematic approach to strengthening the country’s export competitiveness.

Priority Sectors with High Export Potential

The Strategy identifies several sectors with strong potential for export expansion:

• Machinery and electrical equipment;
• Chemical and pharmaceutical industries;
• Metal and metal-processing industries;
• Agriculture and food processing;
• Automotive components;
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT);
• Furniture and wood processing;
• Textiles and apparel;
• Service exports, particularly ICT, transport, and tourism.

Priority Export Markets

The European Union remains North Macedonia’s most important export destination. At the same time, the Strategy promotes greater outreach to:

• Western Balkan countries;
• Middle Eastern markets;
• North African countries (Maghreb region);
• United Kingdom;
• Türkiye;
• Other emerging and high-potential international markets.

Five Strategic Pillars

The Strategy is structured around five key pillars:

1. Improved business environment to support exports
2. Better information and encouragement for companies to start exporting
3. Strengthening export capacities and competitiveness
4. Enhanced promotion and international business matchmaking
5. Improved access to finance and export risk management instruments

Key Measures and Activities

The Strategy includes a wide range of support measures, including:

• Export readiness training and advisory services;
• Certification and compliance with international standards;
• Support for digitalization and green transition;
• Participation in international trade fairs and B2B events;
• Development of e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities;
• Preferential credit lines through the Development Bank of North Macedonia;
• Export credit insurance and risk mitigation tools.

Expected Outcomes

The Strategy is expected to deliver the following results:

• Increased number of exporting companies;
• Greater diversification of export products and markets;
• Higher domestic value added in exports;
• Stronger integration into global supply chains;
• Improved productivity and competitiveness;
• Accelerated and sustainable economic growth.

Strategy for export promotion 2024-2027