The conference brought together entrepreneurs, distributors and representatives of the administration, thus creating a space for talks about commercial cooperation and growing opportunities for Polish companies. The growing interest in Polish products in the region confirms that North Macedonia is becoming a market with real potential for our exporters.

Polish food appreciated for its quality

In his address, the Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak highlighted the strength of the Polish agri-food sector.

– Poland is among the largest producers of food in the European Union. In 2024, we ranked fifth in terms of value of agri-food production, accounting for about 8% of the EU market. The year 2024 was particularly significant for us, since the value of the food export from Poland reached EUR 53.5 billion, i.e. almost ten times more than two decades ago. From a country that in the past supplied products mainly to its own market, Poland has become one of the leaders in the food export in the EU – stressed the Deputy Minister.

He also pointed out that Polish products were appreciated not only for their high quality, but also for safety and repeatability, which were essential for business partners.

Talks with Polish companies and encouragement to cooperate

The Deputy Minister also met with the representatives of Polish companies present in North Macedonia so as to discuss their experiences, challenges and expectations towards the administration. He congratulated them on their export success and encouraged the entrepreneurs, distributors and retail chains from Macedonia to establish cooperation with Polish producers.

Increased trade cooperation

During the visit, there was also a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of North Macedonia Albrim Hoxha. The talks concerned the opportunities for increasing trade in agri-food products and tapping the potential of both economies.

Deputy Minister Czerniak pointed out that European consumers expected a greater diversity of products and the Polish agri-food sector could be a stable supplier of high-quality products for Macedonian partners. He also stressed that growing trade were in the interest of both countries.

Poland supports the European path of North Macedonia

When talking with the representatives of the government of North Macedonia, the Secretary of State confirmed that Poland continued to support the Macedonian membership aspirations.

– We perceive the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union as an opportunity and a stimulus for development, as well as an important contribution to building the security and stability of the region – he stressed.

He assured the Polish experts were ready to share knowledge in the field of agricultural reforms and adaptation of the sector to the requirements of EU law.

Polish-Macedonian trade

Trade in agri-food products between Poland and North Macedonia is growing steadily. In 2024, the export from Poland amounted to about EUR 49 million, while the import to Poland amounted to about EUR 30 million.

Poland supplies, among others, poultry meat and offal, milk and cream, confectionery, chocolate and cocoa products, bread and bakery products, processed vegetables, ice cream, beer, tobacco.

From North Macedonia, we import, among others, cabbage and cruciferous vegetables, fresh and dried grapes, wine, as well as tobacco.