The Executive Director of ECNWM Mr. Durim Zeqiri, was invited to the panel discussion with the topic “Challenges and perspectives of the labor market in North Macedonia – the Transition from Education to Employment”, organized by the Friedrich Ebert-Stiftung Foundation and the South East European University.

In his discussion, Zeqiri highlighted the issue of the youth  leaving the country drastically, describing it as a key issue that must be addressed and prevented for the benefit of society and the country’s economy.

For several years now, ECNWM has considered the workforce as a very important asset. We as a  Chamber are aware that the factors influencing this migration are not only wages and income, but there are many other factors, for which the Chamber has taken measures by creating a platform, which will strategically contribute to the solution of the workforce problem.

Mr. Zeqiri added that in order to keep young people in the country and to prevent negative consequences in the economy, policies should focus on creating employment opportunities, developing education and professional training in the sectors that the market requires.

The main demand of ECNWM is to start the process towards improvement by increasing the minimum net salary to 30,000 denars and reducing the contributions to 32% from the net salary. Also, our institution insists on promoting the aspect of competitiveness, both within the country and at the regional level..

The students had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions on various topics which they consider to be fundamental aspects for the country’s perspective, they were also informed about the sectors that are required in the labor market and the profiles to which they should be oriented.

In the future, the commitment of ECNWM to promote and develop the education and preparation of the necessary workforce will continue to be one of the main priorities, believing that these are the foundation of any sustainable society and economy.