Investing in Macedonia Series
 
Cologne - Wednesday 10th December 2014
Printable agenda 
18:15 - 19:00Drinks Reception
19:00 - 19:05Opening Remarks from the Chair
Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-Chief, fDi Magazine, Financial Times Group

19:05 - 19:20Keynote Government Address: Macedonia as an Investment Location
  • Introducing Macedonia
  • Macedonia’s political, economic, financial and business climate
  • Why foreign businesses invest there
Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister, Republic of Macedonia

19:20 - 20:15Dinner: First and Second Courses Served
20:15 - 21:00Panel discussion followed by Q&A with guests: Turning Investment Opportunities into Realities
Topics to be covered, based on real-life experience, will include:
  • The main opportunities for foreign direct investors in Macedonia
  • Its advantages and disadvantages as a business location
  • The official incentives available - grants, loans, favourable tax arrangements
  • Dealing with the practicalities of setting up business there
  • The difficulties that can be encountered, and how they are overcome
  • The long-term business outlook for Macedonia
Ludwig Bathon, Executive Manager, ODW Elektrik 
Vladimir Pesevski Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Macedonia
Vele Samak Minister for Foreign Investments, Republic of Macedonia
Frank Volk, Business Editor, Automobil Produktion

Moderator:
Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-Chief, fDi Magazine, Financial Times Group


21:00 - 21:10Summary of Macedonia’s Attractions to International Businesses
Viktor Mizo, Chief Executive Officer, Free Zones Authority, Republic of Macedonia 

21:10 - 21:15Closing Remarks
Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-Chief, fDi Magazine, Financial Times Group

21:15 - 21:40Dessert and Coffee
21:40Formal conclusion