Chinese Ambassador Jiang Xiaoyan has highlighted accelerating economic and infrastructure cooperation between China and North Macedonia during a recent interview, underscoring the Balkan nation’s growing strategic importance in regional connectivity and sustainable development.
Trade Surge and Market Access
Jiang noted that China became North Macedonia’s third-largest trading partner this year, with bilateral trade driven by Macedonian wine, marble, and truffles gaining traction in the Chinese mainland. She emphasized that non-European trade partnerships are diversifying Skopje’s economic portfolio amid global supply chain shifts.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst
Chinese investments in roads, railways, and manufacturing facilities have created over 2,000 local jobs since 2023, according to embassy data. Jiang described North Macedonia as an emerging logistics hub, with ongoing projects enhancing Balkan connectivity to Central European markets.
Renewables Take Center Stage
With North Macedonia aiming to derive 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030, Jiang identified wind and solar partnerships as priority areas. Two joint ventures in photovoltaic technology are already under negotiation, aligning with Beijing’s Belt and Road green development framework.
Cultural Bridges Strengthen
Student exchange programs and tourism initiatives have increased cross-cultural engagement, with Chinese language courses in Skopje seeing 40% enrollment growth this year. Jiang stressed that ‘people-centered diplomacy’ remains key to sustaining bilateral momentum.
