Baush: The EBRD Investment Summit puts us on the map of investment-worthy regions

It is important not only to think about politics but also to raise greater economic awareness in the region, Abil Baush, an economic analyst from Skopje, says for Kosovo Online. For this reason, he believes that the upcoming Investment Summit for the Western Balkans in London is a good opportunity that puts us on the "map of investment-worthy places."

Baush states that the summits coming from the European Union and European or integration initiatives signal that economic cooperation in the Western Balkans region is significant for the EU.

"This puts us on the map of places worth investing in. Therefore, it is very important to have cooperation among us in the region. These investment summits provide a different way of communication between our countries, and together we would have even greater influence once we enter the European Union. This is the first time that we are not only thinking about politics but also working on raising greater economic awareness in the region," Baush says.

He explains that individually we are small markets, but as a region, we can be competitive.

"Not long ago, we lived in one country, except for Albania, within that Western Balkan circle, but even Albania was a part of that system. At that time, we had one system and one strategy. Countries were divided to work on different projects. Some were responsible for agriculture, others for tourism, and others for heavy industry. And that's not difficult to ascertain now. Are we competitive as countries? Of course, we are, but we are small countries, individually we are small markets. As a region, we can be competitive with other regions that, to be honest, have received great benefits after entering the European Union system, such as Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic..." the analyst from Skopje says, citing the Baltic countries as an example.

"Together, they achieved regional cooperation that brought them significant influence in the economy. Here and now, we need to seize the moment, not only for our small economies to be competitive, but we must also work together to achieve that infrastructure and economic scale, as well as energy efficiency," he says.

Baush assesses that politically the countries in the region differ, but that the economic differences are not significant.

"All countries are close in terms of lifestyle and economic activity. Yes, politics puts us in situations that make us different, but economic cooperation is very important, especially after the COVID crisis, the energy crisis, and the crisis with basic commodities. Difficulties will exist, but the awareness that economic cooperation will bring growth and development to the entire region, especially in our country, is very important," the analyst says.

Regarding North Macedonia, he believes they are in a good position.

"We are a multi-ethnic state, a state that allows everyone to start businesses and be economically independent. In our country, politics sometimes destroys the entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. North Macedonia has the capacity and can be an example to all other countries that economic development can be achieved. And how to get there? Through education, infrastructure, healthcare, investing everywhere, and gaining influence, for which the country can be a good example. We have a good start, we are a good example, but sometimes we encounter political problems that happen to us daily. We can be a good example, we have a good position in the Western Balkans region, we have two countries around us that are in the European Union, we are a NATO country, we have relaxed ethnic relations, and everyone is allowed to work with us. The only thing we need is a greater influence on strategic objectives, especially in the economy," Baush says.