Key Sectors

Pharmaceutical Industry

This sector in MGB historically has a strong foundation based to the research, development and manufacturing capacity, with portfolio of products like a  pharmaceutics, cosmetics, botanical and chemistry products. The main represent of this sector is corporation Alkaloid, located in the MGB’s Eastern industrial zone with manufacturing tradition of 85 years. Its constantly technology modernization and investment in human capital in all manufacturing and R&D processes, emphasize the company as export oriented company with constantly expansion at the foreign markets. The corporation of Alkaloid is a main and most significant represent of the industry sector in the country and widely in the South East Europe.

  • R&D Institute of the corporation Alkaloid
  • Solid scientific and student base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of Natural & Mathematic Sciences – UKIM Skopje
      • Institute of Chemistry,
    • Pharmaceutical Faculty – UKIM Skopje
      • Institute of Pharmaceutical chemistry
      • Institute of Applied chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis
      • The Institute of Pharmacology
      • The Institute of Pharmaceutical technology
      • The Institute of Applied Biochemistry
      • Center for pharmaceuticals research and control
      • Center for Continuing education
      • Center for bio-molecular pharmaceutical analysis
      • Center for control poising
      • Center for natural products
      • Center for pharmaceutical nanotechnology
      • National Center for  giving information on pharmaceuticals
  • The leading cooperation organization:
    • Macedonian Chamber of Pharmacy

Logistic Industry

Skopje has air connections with 30 cities, railway connections with Pan – European corridors 10 and 8, as well as transport routes connected with more than 30 European cities.

North Macedonia is one of the best logistic locations to establish a business in South Eastern Europe. Municipality of Gazi Baba – Skopje is located in the middle of the region, which provides optimal distances to all markets around, excellent for east west and north south trade.

Municipality of Gazi Baba is an important transport hub with highly developed logistic infrastructure. Its location at the point of intersection of international railways and motorways, as well as international airports and neighborhood seaports, Thessaloniki in Greece, Burgos in Bulgaria, Durres in Albania and Bar in Montenegro, are very significant factors that determine the economic competitiveness of the municipality especially in the international context.

Within the municipality of Gazi Baba – Skopje there are many logistic companies, domestic as well as foreign companies,  in the areas of international transport and shipping with huge tradition and business reputation, massive warehouses and distributive centers, ready to respond immediately to any your business and logistic need.  

A strong real estate sector and a fertile ICT development strongly support MGB’s logistics offer and make it unique. It is made up of freight villages of Trubarevo railway hub, Industrial park Zelezara railway hub,  Eastern industrial zone railway hub with customs hub  – but also of the numerous settlements established along the motorway axes connecting the city of Skopje with other domestic and international regions: this interconnected network makes MGB highly suited to the collection, recovery and distribution of goods.

Skopje airport is the newest international airport in the region with the capacity of four million passengers in the Balkan’s region and very important air traffic hub within the region providing regular passenger, cargo and mail transportation to the European and world-wide destinations.

Agrifood and Food Industry

This sector in our municipality is characterized as a combination of leading food industry companies and huge areas of arable land accompanied with very dynamic rural agribusiness activities.

Almost 65% of our municipal territory is agricultural arable land spreading over rural areas, with very intensive agricultural cultivation of vegetables, fruits, grape, grains, as well as cultivation of poultry and cattle mostly.

About 65% of the MGB’s total land area is rural of which 2942 ha is agricultural land, with 90% cultivable land and 10 % pastures, orchards and vineyards and 2,370 family agricultural farms. As in many Western Balkan countries, 45% of the populations in our municipality live in rural areas.

The combination of Continental and Sub-Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, warm summers and short, not too severe winters, and fertile soil provide generally excellent conditions for production of a range of food products.

The food industry in Municipality of Gazi Baba is characterized with long tradition, modern technology, quality products,  and skilled employees in the processing and manufacturing of meat – pork, poultry, cattle, processing and canning of fruits and vegetables, manufacturing of fruits and vegetable beverages, manufacturing of bread and mill products, manufacturing of cocoa, chocolate and other sweet products, manufacturing of healthy food, and manufacturing of refreshing beverages and well known Skopsko beer.

Commendably, as of 2009, the Government has made the HACCP standard obligatory for all food producers.

  • Some well-known key players:
    • Skopje’s Brewery – foreign ownership of Heineken and Coca – Cola
      • Producing: Skopsko beer, Coca Cola, Fanta, mineral and still water, and many others
    • Vivaks company – domestic ownership
      • Producing: fruit drinks, viva fresh, tomato sauce and ketchup, smoothie, and many others
    • Vitalia health food company – domestic ownership
      • Producing: muesli & cereals, oatmeals, bars, snacks, sweeteners, drinks & teas, oil & seeds & pasta, and many others
    • Evropa chocolate company – domestic ownership
      • Producing: chocolate, wafers, biscuits, candies, lokum, and many others
  • Solid scientific base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food – UKIM Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector are:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Metal Processing & Mechanical Industry

Mechanical and metal processing sector is one of the leading industrial sectors in structure of the local economy as well as in the Macedonian economy. It produces about 12.4% of total manufacturing industry output and value added, as well as is the leading exporting sector in Macedonia, accounting for 62.2 % of total exports.

The sector covers the following areas of activity according to NACE 2 classification: manufacture of basic metals, fabricated metal products, electrical equipment, machinery and equipment and other transport equipment.

Mechanical engineering and metalworking sector is explicitly export oriented as about 62% of production is sold in foreign markets. According to the official statistics, the sector is exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide, so the geography of the export markets is really wide. The main markets are European Union single market as well as neighboring Balkan markets.

  • Some well-known key players:
    • MAKSTIL DUFERCO,
    • LIBERTY GROUP,
    • FAKOM,
    • WABTEC
    • TELAMON
    • ARILJE METAL
    • MZT PUMPI
  • Export markets:
    • European single market – 78.7 %,
    • Western Balkan market – 12.6 %,
  • Solid scientific base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of mechanical sciences – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of electrical and information technologies – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of technology and metallurgical sciences – UKIM Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Energy Industry

Energy sector is one of the most important sectors in structure of the local economy as well as in the Macedonian economy. It produces about 15.9% of total manufacturing industry output and value added, but a very small portion of energy is exporting on the foreign markets, accounting for only 2.8 % of total exports in the country.

The sector covers the following areas of activity according to NACE 2 classification: Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning.

The municipality is supplied with electricity through 320 transformer plants of different voltage levels that are distributed throughout the territory of the municipality. Within the municipality, there are several sources for the production of electricity and thermal energy:

  • TE-TO Corp. Skopje is the largest independent energy producer in Macedonia that manages the gas power plant with a combined cycle of electricity and heat production (TE-TO)
    • Capacity of 220 MW of electricity and 160 MW of heat.
  • State corporation ESM – Subsidiary “Energetics” with main activity of production, distribution and supply of electricity and thermal energy to users as regulated activities, and production, distribution and supply of technological steam and supply water to users as unregulated activities
    • Its facilities consist of a steam boiler with a power of 96 MW, a steam turbine with a power of 12.5/15 MW and a generator with a power of 75 MW.
    • Electric power facilities work constantly 24/7 for supply of energy to large metal processing companies (Makstil, Liberty Group and others)  in industrial park Zelezara.
    • Today, the electric power system of AD ESM – Subsidiary “Energetics” has a cogeneration plant, two substations, TC “North” 110/6 kV and TC “South” 110/35/6 kV which are supplied with electricity from TC “Skopje 1″ ” with 2 two-system transmission lines.

A part of the gasification system intended primarily for the needs of energy and industrial facilities has been constructed in the MGB – Skopje. The gas pipeline system consists of two technological units with different basic functions, operating modes and operating pressures:

  • main gas pipeline with distribution gas pipelines and
  • City gas pipeline networks.

The main gas pipeline at the block station Skopje – South DN 500 in the rural settlement Brnjarci within the MGB – Skopje has a capacity of 120,000 m3/hour.

  • At the end point of each gas distribution pipeline, Main Measuring and Regulatory Stations – GMRS have been made,
  • Their basic function is to establish the mode of operation of city networks through pressure reduction and at the same time to control and measure the amount of gas delivered to consumers.
  • For the needs of the city of Skopje, two GMRS were made, Skopje – North near the industrial park “Zelezara” into the MGB – Skopje, and
  • Skopje – South in municipality of Kisela Voda – Skopje, near the previous chemical industry facility of state company “Ohis”.
  • Gas pipeline network with a total length of 65.51km¹, with a corresponding diameter from DN500 mm to DN25 mm, was constructed within the city of Skopje.

  • Solid scientific base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of mechanical sciences – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of electrical and information technologies – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of technology and metallurgical sciences – UKIM Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Wholesale and Retail Industry

This industry is with a long tradition in the municipality of Gazi Baba – Skopje, where 840 business entities or almost 29% of all business entities in MGB are related to trade. The trade sector is playing the leading role in the MGB’s local economy with turnover of € 1,852 million and 6,156 employees.

There are a well-known regional and national brand trade chains especially in the retail industry but also in wholesale trade.

The wholesale and retail industry in the recent period have truly change their business philosophy with huge investments in the cutting edge supermarkets and commercial stores adjusted to the needs and desires of the consumers.

Also the excellent geographic position of the MGB, beside the transit regional and transport corridors, gives to all these trade chains a strong business prospective and market sustainability. 

  • Some well-known key players:
    • TINEX, VERO, KAM markets, BRICOLAGE, MERKUR, NEPTUN, ALFI TEHNOCENTAR, MAKPETROL, LUKOIL, ELEKTROMETAL, ELEKTROELEMENT, MAKAUTOSTAR, AUTOMAKEDONIJA, KIA, VOLVO, MERKUR, PODRAVKA, BADEL, DETOIL, ZEGIN, LIDL will arrive soon, and many others.
  • The well-known trade and business centers in MGB:
    • EAST GATE – trade, residential and business smart complex as epicenter of smart concept for shopping, residential and business premises, with flow of consumers from all around the Balkan peninsula.
    • MERCEDES BUSINESS CENTER – well-known business and trade complex with the showroom of famous car brands, in ownership of MAKAUTOSTAR.
    • GODI Retail Park – the outlet trade concept with showroom of many known brand products, in ownership of Macedonian retail trade chain TINEX.
    • BRICOLAGE – Mr.Bricolage is a French “do it by yourself” hypermarket chain with the huge portfolio of materials and products for “do it by yourself” concept.
    • MERKUR – Merkur is one of the most famous store brands in our municipality, which has deservedly gained popularity among consumers over the years. Their assortment contains products for every purpose in the home and garden, as well as on the construction site.
    • ALFI TEHNOCENTAR – Alfi Tehnocenter is a home goods store in MGB, trading company with the placement of more than 35,000 products.
    • NEPTUN – Neptun is the largest retail and distribution network of white goods, household appliances, TV/Audio/Video, computers, telephones, cameras, care and beauty products, cooling and heating, in Macedonia.
    • FASHION PARK TRIANGLE – In the next few years will follow the development of the Fashion Park Triangle, a unique place with a large number of shops, places for enjoyment and relaxation, a hotel and business spaces.
  • Solid scientific base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of Economics – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of Business Logistics and Tourism – Skopje, part of  University of Goce Delcev, Stip
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector are:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Hospitality and Accommodation

The hospitality and accommodation sector in MGB-Skopje, and widely in the city of Skopje, offer a huge opportunities to choose among different kinds of offer and service categories. This industry has a long tradition in the municipality of Gazi Baba – Skopje, where 113 business entities or almost 3.87% of all business entities in MGB are related to accommodation and food services.

In Skopje, as in all of Macedonia, the great traditions of local cuisine have been maintained and in some cases rediscovered and revitalized. These are accompanied by the peerless vintage wines of the vineyard regions in Macedonia.

The healthy and fresh food from the vegetable and fruit fields in Skopje’s and other Macedonian regions is always part of every restaurant meal. Especially the salad culture of Skopje’s residents is well known all around the world and recognized by every tourist guest in our city. Here we would like to add the magnificent appetizers –  ajvar, malidzano, pindjur, lutenica and winter turshija prepared from fresh vegetables served as prolonged meze in combination of all kinds of salty pies and cheese.

The combination of traditional fasting food and all kinds of vegetarian food and lake fish is unique experience you can taste in every restaurant in our MGB and Skopje’s region. Accompany with already well known Macedonian wines you will experience exceptional flavor.

In Skopje you can taste all kinds of meat, usually pork and beef, especially lamb meat prepared on traditional way with irresistible look and taste is melt in your mouth. Its specific taste and quality comes from the rich and clean pastures in Macedonia. This food require heavier red wines as Vranec, Stanushina or Cabernet Sauvignon.

And you cannot avoid the well-known Skopje’s sweet food you can taste in every restaurant or pastry shop in MGB or Skopje’s region.

In other words, in our city you can enjoy in all tastes and flavors of our food and wines, as well as excellent categories of accommodation in hotels and private apartments.

  • Some well-known key players:
    • Dojrana, Kamnik, Veli iv, Goce 2000, Murovska meana, Hanibal, Ksantika, Horseshoe, Ritual, Hunter Lodge hotel, Continental hotel, Winery Kamnik, Winery Brzanov.
  • Solid scientific base within the University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje:
    • Faculty of Economics – UKIM Skopje
    • Faculty of Business Logistics and Tourism – Skopje, part of  University of Goce Delcev, Stip
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector are:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Information and Communication Technology

The knowledge-based economic development that generates high added value is one of the priorities for future development. The ICT industry is the fastest growing economic sector with growth of 70% over the last five years.

The main areas of specialization for Macedonian enterprises are software development and re-engineering, information system design, hardware, telecommunication services and others.

Macedonia has an excellent supply of well-educated IT experts at among the lowest labor costs in the region. Some 600 IT graduates are produced annually in the Universities in the state. A software engineer with 1 to 2 years of experience costs from €800 to €1,500 net per month.

At the territory of the Skopje’s region there is a plenty of domestic and international companies from IT sector, which successfully developing software in Macedonia providing 24/7 customer support.

The telecommunication system is the first class and is regarded as one of the best in the region.

  • Key players in the Skopje’s IT sector:
    • Netcetera, Public Cloud Group (PCG), Code IT Solution, Inteligenta, Civitta, Synergi, Web Factory LLC, Melon, Symphony Solutions, 3P Development, Kabtel, Sigmoid Group
  • Key players in Skopje’s telecommunication sector:
    • Telekom Mk, A1, M-Tel, Telesmart, Neotel, Telekabel
  • Solid scientific and workforce base:
    • University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje
    • American University of Europe – FON, Skopje
    • European University – Skopje
    • University American College of Skopje
    • Heidelberg Faculty of Skopje
    • MIT University Skopje
    • International Balkan University Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector:
    • MASIT – IT Chamber of commerce
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Real Estate & Construction

Municipality of Gazi Baba is experiencing important changes and is investing in urban transformations and large projects. Its strategic vision aims to attract investment and to be a welcoming and business-oriented municipality. Among the important ongoing investment projects, MGB boasts some major transformations that will give a strong boost to its entire economic and productive system in terms of research and innovation, launching the municipality at the center of the Skopje’s development in advanced manufacturing, sustainable mobility and logistics.

Brownfield location opportunities (i.e. existing production plants for new production activity) and greenfield ones (i.e. free areas ready for any type of transformation) are already available in the municipality.

MGB offers a wide range of real estate opportunities mainly in: residential, retail, hospitality, offices, medical / healthcare, industrial, logistics (infrastructure/storage/warehouse) and social housing.

To support real estate development, MGB offers skills, services, products and technologies for the real estate sector thanks to the presence of companies active in all the phases of the supply chain that can support foreign investors and developers in the turnkey investments: from engineering, architecture and design services, to sustainable, smart and green building solutions, passing through high-level products, materials and building components and innovative technologies aimed at managing projects with greater efficiency and with a lower environmental impact.

MGB is indeed where developers, investors and builders/general contractors can find all the due know-how to undertake valuable real estate initiatives.

  • Key players in the construction industry:
    • ZIKOL, VARDARGRADBA, EHI, BAUER
  • Solid scientific and workforce base:
    • University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje
    • American University of Europe – FON, Skopje
    • European University – Skopje
    • University American College of Skopje
    • Heidelberg Faculty of Skopje
    • MIT University Skopje
    • International Balkan University Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the sector:
    • Chamber of commerce of Macedonia
    • Union of economic chambers of Macedonia
    • Chamber of Northwestern Macedonia

Health Industry

This industry is in the initial phase of its development in our municipality with equally present private and state health sector.

In the private sector we have one private hospital – general hospital Remedika, the first private general hospital in the N. Macedonia founded in the early 2005, with total surface of 5300m2 and located in the green surroundings of the park forest Gazi Baba, at only 3km from the city downtown. Their main focus is gynecology and obstetrics, in – vitro fertilization, neonatology and pediatrics, anesthesia and intensive care, radiology, surgery and diagnostics. Re-Medica is also an institution in which the education of medical staff takes place within the framework of the university “Goce Delchev” in Shtip

Also in the private health sector there are a lot of dental and primary health ordinations which are very well positioned on the market.

In a state sector there are two general policlinics, Health center Zelezara with the center for dialysis, located also at the green surroundings of the park forest Gazi Baba,  and Health Center Chento, located in the settlement Chento near to the urban park Boris Trajkovski.

  • Key players in the Skopje’s health industry:
    • REMEDICA – private general hospital
    • Polyclinic Chento  – state owned hospital
    • Health station Zelezara – state owned hospital
  • Solid scientific and workforce base:
    • University of St Cyril and Methodius – Skopje
    • American University of Europe – FON, Skopje
    • European University – Skopje
    • University American College of Skopje
    • Heidelberg Faculty of Skopje
    • MIT University Skopje
    • International Balkan University Skopje
  • The leading cooperation organization in the industry:
    • Medical Chamber of Macedonia