Berna e Skopje rafforzano scambi economici e cooperazione

Di Valerie Linc ·

The President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin visits North Macedonia to strengthen economic relations.

Contesto

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 s...

Dettagli operativi

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-bord...

Punti chiave

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...

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