Deficiencies that manifest chronological symptoms coordinated over a longer period, only need a systematic approach of identification and treatment of the same. The Republic of North Macedonia, as a country separated from the previous system, was lucky enough to secede without conflict, and this status, fortunately for itself but not for other countries, was shared only by it, but in the medium and long term, the same did not benefit the country in socio-economic terms.

That this country often presents a problem not only for its citizens, but also for the region, is best proven by the photo of these last years, where our country opened the doors of cooperation but also those of avoiding problems with neighboring countries, with what became a compromise almost everything that our country proclaimed as its own or as its unique value.

With the elimination of barriers to travel, membership in NATO and now placed in an advanced stage of the process for regionalization as a prerequisite for the EU, the economy, but also our entire country, is in an unenviable situation due to the lack of anticipation of movements that we ourselves did or were asked and imposed on us.

As a result of this neglectful approach, especially in key periods for our country, interest groups and other actors come to the fore and their importance is increased based on what they undertake.

The movements, which are positive anyway, including the liberalization of visas, carried with them the consequences that were not given due attention by the local institutions, which should have preceded them with genuine policies that would prevent a mass exodus of the youth, while the private sector was located in the middle of everything, playing the role of the guarantor of society and the government filling the state budget, but on the other hand trying to find ways.

The migration of the work force in North Macedonia as a problem is complicated, so the challenges facing our economy must be seriously examined, especially in relation to the migration of the work force. Our goal as an Economic Chamber for a year now is to guide the discussion on this important issue.

The current situation of the labor market is concerning. The number of the youth leaving the country to find work in other countries is increasing, while our enterprises face a shortage of workers. This phenomenon of the work force migration does not only occur for the financial aspect, but we must also consider many other factors such as the health system, education, legal security in the country and many, many other factors.

If North Macedonia aims to be competitive in the international market and have a stable economy in the future, we must create a more attractive and stimulating environment for the workforce. But unfortunately, we as a country have started to lose our competitiveness in relation to the countries of the region, in terms of labor force salaries, where this comes because of many barriers that our country faces, one and the main one of them is the high salary contributions, where for 1000 euros from the net salary we pay an additional 52%. Based on the detailed analyzes we have done; they show that we are the most expensive in the region as well as in Europe.

The long-term request of the ECNWM for the reduction of contributions from 47.5% to 32% of the minimum net salary is a prerequisite for increasing the salaries of employees, thus creating a long-term perspective of citizens in the country. In this way, we will encourage economic growth and stop the departure of current employees and the employment of the youth.

As a result, thanks to the efforts to improve the socio-economic standard, with the reduction of contributions, we request that the minimum NET salary be raised to the level of 30,000 denars.

It is worrying that apart from ECNWM, we did not come across any initiatives regarding the fight against migration. Without wanting to underestimate anyone’s work, institutions rarely show a pro-active approach, while precisely when the same is necessary, we find them in extreme disregard.

This diligence and dedication of ours comes as a result of understanding the results that emerge from the various analyzes of the ECNWM, therefore, in addition to being national and benevolent to the well-being of our fellow citizens, we are principled starting from the facts that are found everywhere, but which are ignored by almost everyone.

We as the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia will continue to commit to finding innovative and long-term solutions to the challenges of youth migration from North Macedonia. This includes cooperation with state institutions, private businesses, and the public sector to develop appropriate policies and programs that will contribute to increasing work skills and creating opportunities for our youth. Through cooperation and joint determination, we will be able to give our country the opportunity to create a genuine economy with a more stable labor market that will enable the progress and vision of the country’s valuable businessmen.

We have no other message than to call you “Build the future at home, stop the migration”.

What is clear is the reflection that this project is long-term, but in the state memory and in the efforts to cultivate the country’s social health 10 years are few, and that this project for these next 10 years should include a series of changes. Starting from the increase in wages, which is closely related to the reduction of contributions, up to the increase in the efficiency of the workforce, where the educational system must relate to the selection of students in professional fields.

We should not forget the importance and role of the mediums in this journey, who should unreservedly support this noble initiative with collective social benefits. Together with Universities and educational institutions, they will have to work hard to create a new mentality among youth, a mentality which will strengthen the citizens’ conviction that our country is built with the chaste contribution of all.

The Economic Chamber along this journey will be unwavering in its demands because our point of view sees every collateral part of this negative phenomenon which is becoming more frequent day by day. Meanwhile, as an institution, we continue to be the most loyal partner of business and the economy in general.