Business opportunities between Malta and Macedonia are set to be explored in 2019 by visiting trade delegations from both countries, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev said on Wednesday.

The two prime ministers were addressing a joint news conference in Skopje at the end of a state visit by Dr Muscat. It was Malta’s first state visit to Macedonia.

Dr Muscat said that Macedonia presented major possibilities for Malta as it could be the key to more opportunities in Balkan states. Likewise, Malta provided Macedonian companies with the opportunity of having a foothold in the Mediterranean.

Mr Zaev highlighted reforms his country was undertaking to prepare for European Union membership. Dr Muscat offered technical assistance in this field.

The Macedonian Prime Minister noted that some 5,000 Macedonians worked in Malta. Dr Muscat said he looked forward towards the signing of an agreement between the two countries to ensure these workers enjoyed good working conditions and were not abused and employed instead of Maltese personnel because they accepted worse conditions.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by representatives from Steward Healthcare as Macedonia is interested in exploring the public private partnership model adopted by Malta in the health sector.

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