Economic expert Izet Zeqiri highlighted that persistent migration and labor deficiencies represent significant challenges to the nation’s economy. Speaking at the North-Western Chamber of Commerce’s anniversary conference, Zeqiri detailed a profound demographic crisis facing North Macedonia. He noted that the country is grappling with a widening gap between falling birth rates and sustained death rates.
According to Zeqiri, the nation is experiencing a considerable labor shortage, exacerbated by the fact that an estimated 750,000 Macedonian citizens are currently employed abroad. This outflow of workers directly impacts the available labor pool. Furthermore, the expert emphasized that demographic potential has dual implications: it supports both production capacity and consumer demand.
A decline in the workforce undermines both aspects of the economy. Zeqiri expressed concern that institutional attention to this critical issue remains insufficient. The combination of emigration and demographic decline suggests a compounding economic vulnerability.
Addressing this structural deficit requires comprehensive policy adjustments to stabilize the labor market and bolster population growth. The expert’s remarks during the anniversary event underscore the urgent need for systemic strategies to mitigate the ongoing labor shortage and manage the country’s demographic trajectory to ensure sustainable economic development.
Topics: #labor #anniversary #shortage
The figures presented regarding labor shortages and demographic trends suggest substantial structural challenges for the national economy.
What specific policies could address the demographic and labor challenges facing North Macedonia?