Economy and Labour Minister Besar Durmish attended the regional conference today SHE RISES SHOLY 2026) in Pristina, Republic of Kosovo, where in the panel dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through regional economic co-operation and European integration, it presented Government measures for support of women entrepreneurs, increased competitiveness, and the creation of new opportunities for regional economic interconnection.
In his speech, Minister Durmish stressed that the economic empowerment of women constitutes an important precondition for sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and better use of the region’s economic potential.
Women’s entrepreneurship is not only a matter of equal opportunities, but an important driving force of economic growth, investment and competitiveness. Our task is to create conditions for women not only to establish businesses but also to develop successful companies, invest, export and create new jobs, Durmish stressed.
The minister informed us that during 2026, by means of the Efficiency Development and Competitiveness Programme, 11.34 million denars have been provided for support of micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as craftsmen, with co-finance of up to 40 percent of the purchase of machinery and new tools, up to 200,000 denars per beneficiary respectively.
In addition, 2 million denars have been provided for the implementation of international standards in the processing industry, with support of up to 70 percent of expenditures, as well as 5 million denars for joint projects between companies and universities, aimed at promoting innovations and technological development.
Durmish pointed out that through the 2026 Employment Operations Plan, for which 2,39 billion denars have been envisioned, support self – employment, entrepreneurship, and absorption of new skills, giving women priority.
Special emphasis on the conference was dedicated to opportunities for the inclusion of companies owned and under the direction of women in the chains of the supply of large international companies and foreign investors.
The minister stressed that North Macedonia has an important industrial base and has the presence of international investors, but that the next step should be the most powerful interconnection of local companies with global production and export chains.
