The Auto-pat of Skopje – Blace has been identified as a cornerstone of Macedonia’s strategic plan to establish itself as a major cross-border transport hub within the Balkan region. This assertion was made by Vice-premier and Minister for Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, following the country’s signing of a grant agreement worth 30.8 million euros with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the facility’s construction. According to Nikoloski, the infrastructure project is vital for enhancing the nation’s economic profile.
He stated that the development positions the country as a strategically significant point on the Balkans, capable of drawing substantial investment across multiple sectors. Specifically, the hub is expected to boost business activity, facilitate regional trade, and increase tourism. The Auto-pat itself spans 10.5 kilometers and represents a considerable engineering undertaking, requiring the construction of approximately four hundred separate elements along its route.
Nikoloski emphasized that this development solidifies Macedonia’s connectivity and economic potential, moving the state toward becoming a central nexus for regional exchange. The agreement with the EBRD marks a significant commitment to modernizing key transport links. By developing this major artery, the government aims to streamline cross-border movement, thereby supporting economic growth and integrating the region more closely into broader European commercial networks.
Topics: #business #trade #tourism
