Further development of the Macedonian-Russian economic cooperation was agreed Wednesday in Moscow at the the business forum of both countries, organized within the fair 'World Food'.

The event, organized by the Macedonian-Russian Chamber of Commerce, was attended by Macedonian Vice-Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ljupco Dimovski.

"Macedonia's Government is reform-oriented and has been working on improving the business climate and the working conditions of companies. Our main objective is to obtain a sustainable economic growth by developing the private sector, attracting investments and opening new jobs. Macedonia is a candidate for the EU membership and hence its top priority is to fully meet the necessary criteria to that end," Stavreski said at the forum, at which the country's agricultural, food processing potential was presented to Russian businessmen.

Listing the country's economic indicators, Stavreski said that its results were also recognized by renown international financial institutions. Namely, for several years in a row Macedonia has been one of the best reformer countries according to the World Bank's 'Doing Business' report.

The relations between Macedonia and Russia are at a high level, but the economic cooperation needs further boost, he said, adding that agricultural and food-processing sectors offer great possibilities.