May 14, 2025, Skopje – At the premises of the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia, President Mr. Qyra and Executive Director Mr. Zeqiri welcomed students from the Faculty of Business and Economics, along with representatives from the Student Parliament and Association of SEEU, led by their president, Mr. Agron Muharemi. The group carried out a study visit aimed at gaining a closer insight into the work of the Chamber since its establishment, its most recent activities, developments in the local business community, as well as the initiatives the institution undertakes to create conditions that encourage the youth to build their careers within the country and avoid aspirations for migration.
During the meeting, President Qyra informed the students about the mission and vision of ECNWM, its strategic projects, and the Chamber’s impact on improving the business climate in the region. He also addressed the challenges faced by local companies, initiatives to support entrepreneurship, and the importance of active youth involvement in economic development processes. One of the key topics discussed was the shortage of qualified labor, which Mr. Qyra has continuously emphasized as one of the most serious challenges to the sustainable growth of the private sector. He highlighted the need for preparing professional staff and fostering closer cooperation between educational institutions and the labor market. On this occasion, the message to the youth was clear: their future should be built at home, by living and working in their own country, and by contributing with their knowledge, energy, and skills for their personal development, as well as economic, and social development of the nation.
Director Mr. Zeqiri also informed the students about the Chamber’s requests for improving working conditions, enhancing the education system to guide the youth towards professional programs and departments, and building cooperation between educational institutions and the Chamber. Moreover, the longstanding request for increasing the minimum wage to 500 euros and lowering contributions was emphasized.
In this regard, ECNWM expressed its willingness and remains open to students interested in carrying out practical work, inviting them to contact the Chamber to connect with member companies.
In the end, an open discussion took place between students and leaders of the institution, which resulted to be a fruitful and valuable meeting for both parties.
