The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu delivered the inaugural address at the India-North Macedonia Business Forum at Skopje today (July 21, 2026). The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, members of the Government of North Macedonia, business leaders from India and North Macedonia and representatives of Industry Associations of the two countries were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that this is the first visit by a President of India to North Macedonia, which shows the keen interest of India to engage with North Macedonia in all areas of mutual interest. She underlined that India-North Macedonia economic and commercial relationship is a frontier waiting to be fully conquered. The bilateral trade volume shows a steady positive trajectory, but it represents only a fraction of what is possible.

The President said that to move from trade to a true economic partnership, we must focus on mutual investments. She emphasized that the scope for new investments spans across various sectors, including digital innovation and artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agro-processing, and the green energy transition. She invited North Macedonia to participate in the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) to be held next year in India.

The President highlighted the need to encourage partnerships among start-ups, universities, research institutions and technology enterprises. She said that cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, cyber security and digital innovation should also be explored.

The President said that businesses from both sides should take lead in identifying viable projects and building long-term commercial relationships. She urged Chambers of Commerce, Investment agencies and Business Associations of both countries to establish linkages and facilitate exchanges of business delegations. She also urged companies to look beyond immediate transactions and invest in partnerships based on technology transfer, joint ventures, local value creation and employment generation. She expressed confidence that this Forum will generate new ideas and open new avenues of cooperation between India and North Macedonia. 

Please click here to see the President’s speech

***

MJPS/SS/PRK

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2287491) आगंतुक पटल : 222