MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 62 - missions.gov.mk

Your Excellency, the political relations between the Republic of
Macedonia and the United States of America are characterized by
an open and continuous dialogue, based on trust and friendship,
also confirmed with the Declaration on Strategic Partnership
and Cooperation signed between the two countries in May of
2008. In your view, what are the measures necessary for more
intensive bilateral cooperation?
The United States has a multi-faceted and very active program of
cooperation with Macedonia in many areas. We are strong partners,
and our bilateral relationship continues to grow broader and deeper
every day. The U.S. has invested well over $1 billion in Macedonia
to create jobs, reduce corruption, renovate schools, and prepare
Macedonian students for the workforce. We have brought over
300 Peace Corps volunteers to serve in education and community
development; we have helped train professionals in virtually every
sector of society and sent hundreds of Macedonians to the United
States on exchange programs. The time that Macedonians on U.S.
Government exchange programs have spent in the United States
hopefully helped them better understand America, and Americans.
At the same time, in the United States there are now Americans
who understand Macedonia better because Macedonians have spent
time with them. Our friendship with Macedonia is strengthened
by the work we do together every day, and our bilateral relationship
will improve even further as we work together to enhance regional
security, cooperate on a range of important international issues, and
help move Macedonia toward its Euro-Atlantic integration goals.
Your Excellency, what are the prospects for signing agreements,
initiated by the Macedonian side, in the sphere of economy,
such as the Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance and the
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MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 62 – 2012
INTERVIEW
H.E. Mr. Paul D. Wohlers, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Macedonia
MACEDONIA A VALUED FRIEND AND PARTNER OF THE UNITED STATES
Agreement on Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments
between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States?
Do you believe that chances for enhancement of the economic
cooperation between the two countries could improve with the
possible conclusion of such agreements?
I am extremely pleased to see that the economic relationship
between the United States and Macedonia continues to flourish.
The new $25 million Kemet Electronics’ plant in the Skopje I Free
Economic Zone will create 500 new jobs and is the most recent
example of how this relationship is growing to the benefit of both
our countries. It seems clear to me that we don’t need agreements
like these to bring our economies closer – it is already happening
every day. I hope and expect to see continued growth in all aspects
of our economic relationship. In particular, I would like to see more
Macedonian companies investing in the United States. I would add
that the United States views double taxation treaties as vehicles
to solve technical tax problems, and I have not heard from any
companies that are encountering such problems. With regard to
an investment treaty, given that the United States is already one
of the largest investors in Macedonia, I don’t see a pressing need
for such an agreement and I would rather focus our energy on
economic activities, such as the recent promotion of Macedonian
wine in the United States and on securing an agreement to allow
U.S. meat to be imported into Macedonia.
Could the launch of the construction of the second factory of
the U.S. company Johnson Controls in Stip give additional
stimulation for other important U.S. companies to invest in
the Republic of Macedonia?
The launch of Johnson Controls’ second factory in Macedonia is an
outstanding development. This $20 million investment is expected
to create 1,400 new jobs. What’s more, it can be seen as a “seal of
approval” for investing in Macedonia. The experience of operating
its first plant in Macedonia was positive enough that it led Johnson
Controls to expand its operations and to open another factory here.
Repeat customers are always a sign that you are doing something
right. There is great potential and opportunity for investors here,
and I am always pleased to see U.S. companies - like Johnson
Controls - choosing to invest in Macedonia.
However, it is important that the Government continue to
ensure that Macedonia is a good place to do business by actively
combating corruption, promoting the rule of law, and streamlining
the entry of new investors into the market. In the long run, success
stories from foreign companies already operating in Macedonia,
like Johnson Controls, are the best way to attract new investment.
In 2000, the Republic of Macedonia lifted visas for bearers of all
types of passport for U.S. nationals. An initiative for inclusion
of the Republic of Macedonia in the so-called Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) for visa-free travel to the United States has been
instigated in the Washington-based Embassy of the Republic of
Macedonia. Mr. Ambassador, what are the prospects and what
is the time frame by which Macedonia could become part of
this US Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is open to countries that have
very low rates of nonimmigrant visa refusals and immigration