Export from technological and industrial zones in the first quarter of 2014 amounted to 250 million euros?and there was a growth of 95% compared to last year, show data of the Directorate for Technological and Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ).

TIDZ export in the first quarter of 2013 was 126 million euros meaning that over a third of the Macedonian export comes from foreign investments in the technological and industrial zones.

The high growth of export from TIDZ comes as a result of Johnson Matthey launching the second stage of its production, Van Hool kicking off production, Kemet Electronics increasing its production and Johnson Controls starting active production in Strip.

"At the moment we are wrapping up negotiations with several companies that are about to reach a decision to invest in the technological and industrial zones or have already made a decision which hasn't been officialized. The companies in question are from the US, Germany and Italy. In addition to Skopje, they are interested in investing in several zones across Macedonia? where there are no foreign investments thus far," said Viktor Mizo, director of TIDZ Directorate.

Johnson Controls, Johnson Matthey, Van Hool, TeknoHose, Kemet Electronics and Protek Group are functioning in the technological and industrial zones at the moment where 2,700 people are hired. Current investments are estimated at 240 million euros.