Агроиндустриски Комплекс : Финансирање И Конкурентност[Macedonian Agribusiness : financing and Competitiveness]

Republic of Macedonia has strong both comparative and competitive advantages in the agri-industrial complex; a situation rarely seen in other sectors of the national economy. Therefore, basic strategic objective of the sector’s stakeholders should be the export expansion of foodstufs. The severe competition on international food markets could only be met by production of export competitive products, i.e. products with permanent market presence, product differentiation, quality and good image. Selling is all about full satisfaction of consumers’ needs and adequate response to their preferences. It is well known that competitiveness is difficult to obtain, but extremely easy to lose. Improvement of the agri-industrial products’ export competitiveness, without adequate and relatively easy access to finances is mission impossible. The scarce of funds is a serious obstacle to any idea in the sector, even the best one. Capital inflows to agroindustry can take various forms: foreign direct investments, loans, subsidies, donations, leasing etc., all with particular strengths and weaknesses. But, one is for sure: the finances could only be provided by close and mutual cooperation between the Government, the producers and the financial institutions. These funds should be invested in enhancing sector’s export competitiveness and expanding the foodstufs exports. Accordingly, these investments will boost the foreign currency inflows and will create a multiple return; not to mention the higher employment and GDP. Several empirical examples have shown that clustering and investment in research, development, innovations and education are the most useful actions for export competitiveness enhancement. The successful realization of these processes would contribute to the national economy development, improve the citizen’s living standard and set foundations for serious and persistent economic growth. No national economy has ever reached the phase of high development, without prior stabilization of the agri-industrial complex. This process currently taking action in Macedonia must be preconditioned by the presence of mission and vision and as one Japanese proverb says: “A vision without action is a dream, but an action without vision is a nightmare!”