“We have no differences on the proposals made by the working groups,” Regional Development Minister Valentin Tserovski said at the signing of the Protocol of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Macedonian Commission on Trade and Economic

“We have no differences on the proposals made by the working groups,” Regional Development Minister Valentin Tserovski said at the signing of the Protocol of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Macedonian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. He added that this is proof of common interest and a single goal and that what remains is to achieve this goal. The Session was held on September 4 and 5 in Ohrid. The Commission is co-chaired by Tserovski, on the Bulgarian side, and by Macedonian Economy Minister Ilija Filipovski on the Macedonian side. The two ministers noted that commercial exchange between Bulgaria and Macedonia has been growing since the two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement. The Industry Section of the Protocol of the Session says that both countries are interested in joint participation in projects and strategies, financed by the EU and other international institutions. It recommends the setting up of joint productions and joint ventures, industrial cooperation and coming out on third markets. In the field of electricity transmission, Bulgaria and Macedonia are interested in building the 400 kV power line from Stip to Chervena Mogila as soon as possible. The Session confirmed the need of building new border checkpoints at Stroumyani-Berovo (a priority), Simitli-Pehchevo and Nevestino-Delchevo. Cross-border projects are the best illustration of good working coordination yielding positive results, Tserovski said. He stressed that Corridor VIII, the construction of which was discussed at the Session, should not be viewed only as a transport corridor but as an energy corridor as well. Regarding the settlement of the financial issues between BDZ Bulgarian State Railways and the Macedonian Railways, apart from the texts agreed on, the Session decided to hold a meeting between representatives of the railway companies and the transport ministries of the two countries by 15 October 2003 at the latest. Photo: Regional Development Minister Valentin Tserovski and Macedonian Economy Minister Ilija Filipovski (left) sign the Protocol of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Macedonian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation PR and International Activities Directorate