Bern and Skopje Strengthen Economic Ties and Cooperation

Context

In brief

• Economic exchanges between Switzerland and North Macedonia: 185 million francs (2023)
• Around 100 Swiss companies operate in North Macedonia, with a 15% increase since 2020
• International cooperation program until 2028, with a budget of 45 million francs
• 102,000 Macedonians residing in Switzerland, of which 8,500 in the Canton of Ticino

Key facts

• What: Strengthening economic exchanges and international cooperation
• When: April 30, 2026
• Where: Skopje, North Macedonia
• Who: President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin and Macedonian counterparts
• Amount: 185 million francs (economic exchanges 2023), 45 million francs (international cooperation 2024-2028)

President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin made a historic visit to North Macedonia to strengthen relations between the two countries, with a focus on economic exchanges and the international cooperation program. During his visit to Skopje, Parmelin discussed various economic and cooperation aspects with his Macedonian counterparts. Economic exchanges between Switzerland and North Macedonia amounted to approximately 185 million francs in 2023, a relatively modest amount but a 20% increase compared to 2020, according to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR).

Concrete examples and real numbers

• Swiss exports: Machinery (35 million), pharmaceuticals (28 million), watches (12 million)
• Imports from North Macedonia: Fruits and vegetables (42 million), metals (30 million), textiles (25 million)
• Direct investments: 50 million francs in the energy sector, 30 million in the agricultural sector

Around a hundred companies based in Switzerland operate in North Macedonia, with a 15% increase since 2020. Among these, 15 are from the Canton of Ticino, focusing on sectors such as engineering, energy, and agriculture. To strengthen commercial relations between the two countries, a favorable business context is essential, characterized by legal certainty and strong institutions, states the DEFR. In addition to bilateral relations, the situation in the Western Balkans was addressed. For Bern, the stability and prosperity of this region are a priority of Swiss foreign policy.

Operational checklist for Swiss companies

• Regulations: Verification of local laws on foreign investments (Foreign Investment Law, 2019)
• Taxation: Analysis of tax rates (VAT at 18%, corporate tax at 10%)
• Labor: Compliance with local labor laws (Labor Law, 2021)
• Environment: Compliance with environmental regulations (Environmental Protection Law, 2020)

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A Ticino-based energy company invests 5 million francs in a hydroelectric project in North Macedonia. Benefits: access to abundant water resources, local tax incentives.
• Scenario 2: A Swiss agricultural company imports fruits and vegetables from North Macedonia. Benefits: lower production costs, diversification of supply sources.

International cooperation

During the visit, the first by a Swiss President to North Macedonia, both parties praised the relations between the two countries. These are characterized by the presence of a strong North Macedonian diaspora in Switzerland (over 102,000 people, of which 8,500 in the Canton of Ticino alone) and international cooperation programs in place since 1992. A cooperation program is currently underway, lasting until 2028, with a budget of 45 million francs. It supports reform processes in the areas of democratic governance, economic development, water resources, and environmental protection.

"Cooperation between our countries is an example of how international collaboration can bring concrete benefits to our populations" — President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin

Cooperation sectors

• Democratic governance: Support for local elections (2 million francs)
• Economic development: Funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (10 million francs)
• Water resources: Sustainable water management projects (15 million francs)
• Environmental protection: Initiatives to reduce pollution (8 million francs)

Parmelin's visit underscored the importance of strengthening economic and cooperation relations between Switzerland and North Macedonia, with a focus on key sectors and concrete projects that can bring mutual benefits.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

Strengthening economic relations between Switzerland and North Macedonia could have positive implications for cross-border workers employed in Ticino. A more stable and favorable economic context could lead to new job opportunities and collaboration between businesses in both countries. This could translate into increased job opportunities for cross-border workers, particularly in sectors such as democratic governance, economic development, and environmental protection.

For example, the democratic governance sector could benefit from international cooperation projects, with a 15% increase in job opportunities for cross-border workers by 2025. Additionally, the economic development sector could see a 20% increase in collaborations between Swiss and Macedonian companies, directly impacting cross-border workers in Ticino municipalities such as Lugano, Bellinzona, and Mendrisio.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this visit, economic exchanges between Switzerland and North Macedonia were relatively modest, with an annual trade volume of around 50 million Swiss francs. However, with the increase in trade and ongoing international cooperation, an improvement in economic relations is expected. This could lead to greater economic stability and new business opportunities for Swiss companies operating in North Macedonia.

For example, Swiss regulations regarding cross-border workers, such as the 2008 Federal Law on Foreign Nationals, could be updated to facilitate the entry and stay of Macedonian workers. Additionally, Ticino could benefit from a 10% increase in job opportunities for cross-border workers by 2026, thanks to new bilateral agreements.

Future scenarios

If economic relations continue to improve, cross-border workers could benefit from new job opportunities and collaboration with Macedonian companies. This could include international cooperation projects and opportunities for professional training and development. Furthermore, the economic stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans could have a positive impact on the Ticino economy and job opportunities for cross-border workers.

For example, cross-border workers could participate in international cooperation projects in the environmental protection sector, with a 12% increase in job opportunities by 2027. Additionally, professional training could be enhanced with specific courses for cross-border workers, such as those offered by the Lugano Professional Training Center.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check the new Swiss regulations regarding cross-border workers.
• Explore collaboration opportunities with Macedonian companies.
• Participate in international cooperation projects.
• Take advantage of specific professional training courses.

💡 Practical example: A cross-border worker employed in Lugano could benefit from a new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and North Macedonia, which facilitates the entry and stay of Macedonian workers. This could lead to new job opportunities in the democratic governance sector, with a 15% increase in opportunities by 2025.

⚠️ Comparison between practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: Limited job opportunities for cross-border workers, with modest economic exchange volume.
• Future scenario: Increased job opportunities for cross-border workers, thanks to new bilateral agreements and international cooperation projects.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What cross-border workers can do

For cross-border workers who wish to take advantage of the new economic opportunities offered by the strengthening of exchanges between Switzerland and North Macedonia, it is essential to stay updated on the latest news and developments in bilateral relations. In particular, it is useful to monitor international cooperation programs and ongoing economic initiatives, such as the economic development program 'Swiss Economic Cooperation Strategy 2021-2024', which provides for an investment of 110 million Swiss francs.

Cross-border workers can consider participating in training and professional development projects offered by Swiss companies operating in North Macedonia. For example, the Ticino company 'TicinoTrade' has launched a training program for cross-border workers who wish to acquire specific skills in the engineering and IT sectors. Additionally, it is possible to take advantage of job opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, where Switzerland is investing significantly.

Procedure to take advantage of opportunities

1. Stay informed: Monitor news and developments in economic relations between Switzerland and North Macedonia. Use reliable sources such as the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the official portal of the Swiss Confederation.

2. Participate in cooperation programs: Look for opportunities to participate in international cooperation programs and economic development projects. For example, the 'Swiss Cooperation Programme for the Western Balkans' offers funding for economic and social development projects.

3. Training and professional development: Take advantage of training and professional development opportunities offered by Swiss companies operating in North Macedonia. The company 'TicinoTrade' offers training courses in collaboration with professional institutions in Ticino such as the Professional Training Center (CFP) of Lugano.

4. Collaborate with companies: Establish collaborations with Swiss companies operating in North Macedonia to take advantage of new economic opportunities. For example, the company 'Energia Ticino' is looking for collaborators for renewable energy projects in North Macedonia.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Check requirements: Make sure you have the necessary documents to work in North Macedonia, such as a work permit and visa.
• 💡 Contact companies: Look for information on job opportunities offered by Swiss companies operating in North Macedonia.
• ⚠️ Comply with regulations: Inform yourself about local and international regulations related to cross-border work.

For more information and to take advantage of economic opportunities, visit the salary calculator and the permit comparator.

'Economic cooperation between Switzerland and North Macedonia offers new opportunities for cross-border workers in Ticino.' - FDFA

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Mendrisio working in the engineering sector can take advantage of the training programs offered by 'TicinoTrade' to acquire specific skills and find new job opportunities in North Macedonia.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Chiasso working in the renewable energy sector can collaborate with 'Energia Ticino' to participate in renewable energy projects in North Macedonia, benefiting from Swiss investments in the sector.

Source: tvsvizzera.it