Let me start with the two most obvious sectors. Renewable energy offers substantial opportunities, with the government aiming for 38% renewable energy consumption by 2030. This opens doors for U.S. investments in solar, wind, and energy infrastructure projects. The automotive sector continues to be a strong export contributor, supported by skilled labor and free economic zone incentives. However, rising labor costs may push the focus toward automation and high-value manufacturing.
The IT sector is another promising area. While the low level of digitalization in public and private sectors poses a challenge, it creates opportunities for U.S. businesses to drive digital transformation, leveraging EU and U.S. donor funds, particularly for regional projects. Healthcare is also key, with growing demand for innovative medicines, digital health solutions, and EU-standard medical equipment. The BPO sector benefits from a multilingual workforce that shares cultural similarities with the U.S. market, making it a strong alternative to Asian outsourcing hubs.
Also, agribusiness and tourism are emerging sectors. Investments in eco-friendly agriculture and sustainable tourism infrastructure align with North Macedonia’s modernization efforts and EU market readiness, opening up promising prospects for these sectors. U.S. companies can be successful by combining innovation, automation, and workforce development across these industries. With a population of 1.8 million (Census of 2021), North Macedonia, like other WB countries, is a relatively small market. However, its strategic location on the crossroad of two important transportation corridors, Corridor 8 and 10, in SE provides easy access to both regional and EU markets, making it an ideal hub for U.S. companies seeking to expand their footprint in these parts of the world.
Regional economic integration is essential for countries like North Macedonia to become more attractive to U.S. and global businesses. Aligning regulations across WB markets, advancing joint initiatives, and enhancing market compatibility with EU standards will create a larger, unified economic zone capable of drawing significant investment. This approach not only accelerates integration into the EU single market but also strengthens the region’s competitiveness globally.
“Regional economic integration is essential for countries like North Macedonia to become more attractive to U.S. and global businesses”
What sets North Macedonia apart is its strong diplomatic and economic relationships with neighbouring countries, positioning it as a natural regional harmoniser. For U.S. businesses, leveraging North Macedonia’s geographic position and its growing alignment with EU practices can provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
Over the past 20 years, we have seen the role of women in leadership in the Adria region improve, but we still face significant gaps compared to the EU and U.S.. In North Macedonia, women hold 28% of managerial positions, with only 11% of companies majority-owned by women and 21.3% led by female managers. In politics, 42.5% of parliamentary seats are held by women due to quotas, but only 25% of ministerial roles, showing quotas are not enough to ensure true leadership equality.
To bridge this gap, we need practical changes—affordable childcare, flexible work policies, and pay equity enforcement. Leadership training and mentorship programs can open doors, while cultural shifts through education and advocacy can create an environment where women are equally valued. Most importantly, we, as women, must believe in our abilities, trust our merits, and step confidently into leadership roles. Changes would take collective efforts, and it’s time for us to lead that change and create a more equitable future for all. That’s why I encourage all women leaders among our members to apply for the position on the AmCham Board of Directors. With just 1 woman out of 7 members, there’s plenty of room for improvement—and you can be part of that change.
