All News on Economics in Macedonia
Bulgaria's Non-EU Exports 10.6% Down in Jan-Oct
Exports to third countries have shrunk by 10.6% between January and October compared to the same period of last year, national statistics show.
The amount exported for that time was BGN 11.973 B, with Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, China, Russia and the US being the main non-EU partners for Bulgarian goods.
Bulgaria's Trade with Third Countries Dipped in Jan-Aug
Both exports and imports of Bulgaria to third countries fell in the first eight months of this year, compared to the same period of 2015, statistics show.
Exports amounted to BGN 9.5161 B. The main trade partners included Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, China, Russia, and the United States, accounting for 49.7% of the exports to non-EU countries.
Turkey cheaper than Europe but cars, booze, tobacco remain expensive
Turkey is more expensive than a few European countries but it remains cheaper than a majority of the continent, according to a new comparative purchasing power parity index released June 19 by the Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜ?K).
However, car prices stood above European levels, as did the prices of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and consumer electronics.
Macedonia Probes Migrant Kidnapping Claims
Police said they had launched a probe after Britain's Channel 4 News programme broadcast a report about hundreds of migrants from countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen being held for ransom by gangs in at least one Macedonian village, alleging that local police has been colluding with their captors.
Gruevski expects further successful cooperation
BEOGRAD - The Third Meeting of China and CEECs is expected to create possibilities for further successful cooperation among all the countries from this region, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in an exclusive opinion piece for Tanjug ahead of the Third Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European countries in Belgrade, which Tanjug publishes in full.
Foreign Investors Shy Away From Macedonia
In the first eight months of 2014, Macedonia attracted €176 million in FDI, which was 11 €million less than the same period last year, data from the Central Bank show.
Macedonia attracted only €251 million in FDI in 2013, which was the worst score in the region, below Kosovo, which attracted slightly more - €259 million.
Fitch Affirms Macedonia's Rating at BB+ with Stable Outlook
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Macedonia's Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at 'BB+' with Stable Outlooks.
The issue ratings on senior unsecured foreign currency bonds have also been affirmed at 'BB+'. Fitch has also affirmed Macedonia's Short-term IDR at 'B' and Country Ceiling at 'BBB-'.
Construction Powers Strong Growth in Macedonia
The construction sector, which grew by 13.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2014, is seen as the main driver of the current growth rate, which matches official economic forecasts for the year.
The new government platform submitted by Nikola Gruevski after he won the April general elections set economic growth for this and next year at three to four per cent.
Macedonia Names and Shames Worst Debtors
Three public enterprises, “Makedonija pat”, “Makedonski sumi” and “Komunalec - Gostivar”, are among the top ten debtors in Macedonia, according the report of the Public Revenue Office. Together they owe the state around €11 million.
The list reveals that some 3,500 state and private companies as well as individuals owe the state a total of €200 million.