Skopje - Today, the USAID Investment Development and Export Advancement Support Project launched three web portals that will make information more accessible to the private sector.  

www.konkurentnost.mk, hosted by the Ministry of Economy (MoE), will give the business sector access to information on all available government support related to implementation of the Industrial Policy 2009-2020.

www.ener.gov.mk, hosted by the Ministry of Information Society and Administration (MISA), will increase private sector and non-governmental organization involvement in creating economic policies and legislation affecting business in Macedonia.

The export promotion e-portal under http://investinmacedonia.com/, hosted by the Agency for Foreign Direct Investment and Export Promotion of Macedonia (Invest Macedonia), will provide access to an electronic marketplace that matches foreign buyers with Macedonian sellers. 

“With these information technology solutions, we are assisting the Government of Macedonia’s efforts to support the business community through a variety of competitiveness programs and measures,” said U.S. Ambassador Paul D. Wohlers. “By using these software solutions, Macedonian companies will be able to establish virtual business leads and electronic matching with potential clients abroad.  Companies will also be able to participate in creating legislation in partnership with the civil sector.”

These three portals are software solutions that highlight the importance of open communication and information sharing.  Through their respective portals, the MoE will improve the transparency and efficiency of Industrial Policy implementation, the MISA will improve public-private dialogue, and Invest Macedonia will offer an effective trade information service to exporters, importers and the general public.

NOTES TO EDITORS
The Investment Development and Export Advancement Support Project is a four-year, $5.1 million project which began in December 2010. The project supports initiatives to improve the business environment, increase domestic investment, attract more foreign direct investment and promote increased export of Macedonian products. More specifically, the project focuses on industrial policy implementation, improving domestic and foreign investment procedures, supporting a comprehensive and effective export promotion strategy, and further strengthening public-private dialogue. For more information please visit www.ideas.org.mk

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia