Dubai Chambers has explored expanding trade and investment relations with the Republic of North Macedonia in a recent high-level meeting held during an official visit to Skopje. The delegation, led by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, met with H.E. Professor Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia, to discuss deepening bilateral economic ties and advancing joint projects and investments.

The discussions focused on fostering stronger partnerships in key sectors such as trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, and technology. The meeting underscored Dubai's strategic role as a global business hub and highlighted new opportunities for North Macedonian businesses to expand into Dubai’s market, and vice versa. H.E. Lootah reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to advancing international trade cooperation and building bridges for economic activity worldwide, adding that this visit was part of broader efforts to unlock new growth avenues.

This diplomatic engagement follows an earlier delegation from North Macedonia to Dubai in April 2025. The exchange marks a continued push to accelerate economic partnerships and stimulate investment in both directions. According to H.E. Mickoski, the visit opens up new pathways for cooperation and helps create stronger, mutually beneficial trade relations.

The value of non-oil trade between Dubai and North Macedonia reached AED 1.8 billion during the five years from 2020 to 2024, reflecting a solid foundation for future collaboration. The number of Macedonian companies registered as members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce has surged by 522%, from just nine in 2020 to 56 by mid-2025, illustrating significant growth in business engagement between the two regions.

Dubai’s strategic advantages as a business hub for North Macedonian companies were also highlighted during the discussions. Key sectors identified for potential Macedonian exports to Dubai include pharmaceuticals, apparel, bakery products, preserved vegetables, marble and stone, mineral waters, and copper wire. The sectors where Macedonian companies have found success in Dubai include Real Estate, Construction, Education, and Trading & Services.

This mission forms part of the ‘Growth Corridors’ initiative by Dubai Chambers, designed to bolster trade and investment flows between Dubai and high-potential international markets. Through these missions, Dubai seeks to strengthen its role as a gateway for global business expansion, fostering sectoral integration and encouraging joint ventures.

The initiative underscores Dubai’s adaptability in the face of changing global economic conditions and legislative environments. By offering investment incentives and cultivating strong business networks, Dubai Chambers aims to help local companies tap into new, promising markets with greater efficiency and confidence.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.