Istanbul Forum Country Exercise: Republic of Macedonia

 Key issues -Implementation of one-stop shop for company registration (legal and institutional capacity) -Unifying several existing advisory councils in one serving as a link between public and private sector (avoid overlapping activities and improve effectiveness) -Full operationalisation of the newly established FI Agency (implementation of investment policies, promotional activities and services to investors)  How does your country compare to other countries with respect to these issues?  What are the key causes of the problems you have identified? Step 1: Diagnosis

The Government efforts and activities are undertaken, legal framework and measures are in place, but the implementation is still insufficient resulting in low level of FDI (compared with the countries in the region).

Step 1: Diagnosis -Long and complicated procedure for company registration -Rigid labor market legislation -Long and complicated procedures for construction permits (possible corruption) -Lack of continuity in policies implementation -Inefficient processing of Cadastre work (denationalization and land ownership rights)

Step 2: Objective of the intervention Overall objective: Institutional development and innovative capacity building in order to operationalise government policies towards attracting FDI  Easier and simple company registration, construction permit procedure and access to land  Flexible labor market legislation  Increasing the FDI inflow, job creation, transfer of new technologies and innovations

Step 3: Description of the Proposed Intervention  What are the proposed activities? -Implementation and enforcement of legislation -Institutional reorganization -Improved systems -Training of the staff -Aggressive promotion of the country competitive advantages

Step 3: Description of the Proposed Intervention No costing available. The proposed activities will be partly financed by the Government with main assistance from different international organizations

Step 4: Institutions involved  Roles and responsibilities of government ministries or agencies? Initiating, coordinating, monitoring and cooperating in reform processes  What other partners would be involved? Private sector (domestic and foreign investors), wider community and international organizations

Step 5: Results Indicators  Simplified and shortened procedures, e.g. reduced time and costs to establish business or obtain permits  Increased transparency (e.g. brochures and info on website)  Reduced number of complaints dealt with by the business advisory councils  Creation of a single business advisory authority  Increased investment and jobs, increased investor enquiries and visits

Step 6: Background Information (one slide)  Name of Country: Republic of Macedonia  Team members’ names: Suzana Arsova-Kostadinova Natasha Jovanoska  Contact information: