The USAID Competitiveness Project improves Macedonia economy and competitive position within the global market place. It supports catalytic initiatives to stimulate foreign and domestic investment, capture higher value export markets, alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, and generate significant numbers of new jobs for Macedonia.

Competitiveness Project Approach Competitiveness Project was initiated in August 2007 to support Macedonia’s economy and competitive position within the global markets. The project is market led and investment driven. The project started by assessing the needs of international buyers/investors and performing an assessment of the potential of Macedonia’s domestic industry to identify the priority sectors with greatest potential for employment and higher value exports. Three sectors selected include: • Information and Communication Technology (ICT); • Fashion & Design (includes apparel, footwear and furniture); • Light Manufacturing, (includes electromechanical, automotive parts, machine tooling, etc.) However, the project is not limiting its activities to these sectors alone and will be taking advantage of other high-growth opportunities as they appear. The Competitiveness Project contributes technical assistance to support foreign investments and enhanced linkages into global supply chains for Macedonian firms. Project interventions are focused on alleviating constraints and building capacity related to: • Workforce development • Productivity, supply chain effectiveness and technology • Access to markets and financing • Infrastructural services, including industrial and logistical parks To achieve its ambitious goals the USAID’s Competitiveness Project will undertake demand driven focused on 3 broad initiatives: • Attract foreign direct investment and improve the performance of channels promoting FDI • Identify and develop market makers for priority sectors