The Republic of North Macedonia is a veritable treasury of culture and art, hosting numerous historical monuments throughout the country. The cultural heritage, combined with a temperate climate, beautiful landscape and unmatched hospitality makes North Macedonia an attractive area with great tourist ambitions to become a top destination for foreign visitors.
As a continental country influenced by a Mediterranean climate, North Macedonia has great potential for the development of both summer and winter tourism. The unpolluted air, soil and water create a unique milieu for eco-tourism, placing North Macedonia on the top of offers by the world’s most popular eco-tourism operators. With over 1,000 churches and monasteries, as well as more than 4,200 archaeological sites, North Macedonia is among the leaders in cultural tourism in Europe.
Investment attractiveness of the metal and metal products sector is related to its export potential. The sector is comprised of some 150 small and medium-sized enterprises, employs over 9,000 employees and is almost entirely in foreign ownership.
The main products include rolled sheet steel, aluminum bars, rods and profiles, ferrous alloys, seamed tubing and ferrous-nickel products, lead, zinc, copper, gold and silver.
North Macedonia has a complex geological structure and a large number of ore deposits. Reserves of lead, zinc, copper-gold and chromium ores are being exploited in a number of locations. Lignite, marble, travertine and other decorative construction stones are widely available.
North Macedonia has a substantial chemical industry with a well-developed capacity for the production of basic chemicals, synthetic fibers, polyvinyl chloride, as well as detergents, fertilizers, polyurethane foams and fibers. In addition to opportunities for green field FDI, existing capacities in chemical processing, including cosmetics products, have good growth potential for foreign investors.
North Macedonia has a well-developed construction industry recognized internationally for its skilled personnel and use of modern technology, particularly in civil engineering and hydro construction. The country is a major supplier of construction labor to Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia.
The production of tobacco is based on cultivating oriental aromatic tobaccos with small leaves.
It is estimated that 42,620 households are engaged in tobacco production and this number has increased significantly over the last few years as a result of high state subsidies in the production of this crop.