During his visit to Sveti Nikole, Branko Azeski, President of the Chamber of Commerce, also paid a working visit to International Slavic University, where he met with Prof. Jordan Gjorchev, PhD, President of the Management Board, as well as the University’s deans and professors.

President Azeski expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, noting that the University is particularly significant because it has operated successfully for many years in a small municipality. He emphasized that it should serve as an example for other regions in the country by encouraging decentralized development beyond a single location, given that nearly everything is currently concentrated in the capital.

The meeting between representatives of academia and the business community also included a discussion on the new Law on Higher Education. According to Azeski, the law should serve as a model for how higher education institutions can prepare future professionals to meet the needs of businesses. He emphasized the need to recognize that factories and industries require qualified personnel, as they form the foundation of every country’s economic activity.

The University has already introduced distinctive study programs that address emerging workforce and societal needs while aligning with the green agenda, including Waste Management, Occupational Safety and Health, and Fire Safety.

President Azeski emphasized that higher education institutions should follow the example set by the development of vocational secondary education. This means working with the business sector and the Chamber of Commerce to develop study programs that foster relevant skills and prepare graduates to enter the workforce in companies, institutions, and other organizations.

He invited University representatives to initiate further discussions, noting that North Macedonia needs more dialogue and public debate. He added that the current prime minister has both the interest and capacity to engage in such discussions and that this opportunity should be used to develop measures and initiatives that support education and the economy.

Prof. Jordan Gjorchev, PhD, President of the Management Board of International Slavic University, stated that the reforms proposed in the draft Law on Higher Education should be accompanied by a strategy identifying the types of higher education professionals needed in the country. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing private universities, which can remain relevant and sustainable when their value is acknowledged by the business community.

The central objective of the meeting was to identify, through dialogue between the business and academic communities, models for involving students in practical work to a significantly greater extent during their studies. The discussion also focused on developing new ideas and opportunities that would benefit both businesses and the educational process.

Gjorchev proposed that private universities also be given the opportunity to participate in drafting the legislation under which they operate, in accordance with the three principles of autonomy, inviolability, and recognition of academic authority. He also proposed allowing universities greater independence in generating funds through their own activities, thereby reducing the burden on the state budget.

Gjorchev also serves as a representative of the Armenian Chamber in North Macedonia. In this capacity, together with regional business representatives and in the presence of President Azeski, he discussed opportunities to access new markets and establish stronger cooperation with the Armenian market.

As a gesture of appreciation for President Azeski’s visit, Gjorchev presented him with a painting from his personal collection, created as part of his artistic work.