19.06.2025, Skopje – The Executive Director of the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia, Mr. Durim Zekiri, participated as a panelist at the Youth Forum on Economic Democracy and Employee Ownership, organized within the framework of the project “Shaping the Future of Work,” implemented by the ARNO organization and the Institute for Economic Democracy from Slovenia.
Mr. Zekiri spoke in the panel session titled: “Corporate culture, youth talent, and business legacy – economic democracy as a challenge or opportunity for companies in North Macedonia and Slovenia”. Other panelists included Sebastjan Pikl from the Institute for Economic Democracy (IED), Prof. Dimitar Jovevski from the Faculty of Economics at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, and Ms. Aleksandra Sholdova Spasovska from the Women in Tech organization.
Regarding the workforce and its impact on economic well-being, Mr. Zekiri emphasized that 76% of the GDP comes from purchasing power. North Macedonia is losing talented youth, workforce, and purchasing power simultaneously — all of which are key factors in driving business and economic growth. Several years ago, ECNWM predicted that the country would face a labor shortage due to low competitiveness. As a state, we are far from competitive compared to the region — we do not offer favorable conditions for businesses as neighboring countries do, while at the same time, we are among the most expensive in the region when it comes to employer payroll costs. For a net salary of €1,000, an employer in North Macedonia pays an additional €520 in contributions, which amounts to 52%, whereas this percentage is significantly lower in the countries of the region, stated Mr. Zekiri.
ECNWM participation in this forum underscores its commitment to being an active voice in discussions about the future of work, youth engagement, and the creation of a more favorable climate for economic development. ECNWM continues to advocate for necessary policies aimed at retaining the domestic workforce and preventing further brain drain.
