SUMMARY of information about articles published in daily and weekly print media (news related to economic developments, regulations etc.

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1 SUMMARY of information about articles published in daily and weekly print media (news related to economic developments, regulations etc.) Only 15.4% of Macedonians shop online Both Europeans and Macedonians buy clothes, sports equipment, travels and hotel bookings, magazines and books, and electronic equipment online. However, in comparison to the EU, where half of the population buys online, in Macedonia only 15.4% of the total population does so, according to Eurostat data. Of the 15.4%, 66.9% bought clothes or sports equipment, 16.5% booked hotels or travels, 15.6% bought magazines or books, and 12.6% electronic equipment. 23% of Macedonia s online shoppers are aged 16 to 24, 20% are aged 25 to 34. (More info: Eurostat) Fiscal cash registers fee will not be revoked, authorities decide At a session of the parliamentary Finances and Budget Committee, the draftlaw recommending the revocation of the latest fee imposed on retailers - to pay 60 euros annually to have the GPRS system of the fiscal cash registers serviced has been rejected. In their explanation, authorities say that the revocation of the fee could have a negative influence on the system for registering cash payments, or have negative fiscal implication on the budget. PRO resumes account-blocking spree in relation to unpaid broadcasting tax The Public Revenue Office is to present the total number of accounts of citizens to be blocked for failure to pay the broadcasting tax. The tax authority says the final list of broadcasting fee debtors which have been issued an order for forced collection of payments will be published. These debtors have failed to respond to the PRO s calls to pay their debts. The list will be published in the Official Gazette of RM, and the PRO shall consider

2 this as adequate notification about their decision. In order to unblock their accounts, citizens will have to pay the debt, plus pay bank charges of as much as least 1500 denars. Grape-growers fear they might be left penniless for upcoming holidays Grape-growers from the Tikvesh region fear they might have to face the upcoming winter holidays with no money, as wineries that purchased their grapes have not paid a single denar so far. Grape-growers were promised they would get the money by New Year s. This year s grape harvest has been sold out completely. Wineries promised to pay 11 denars for kilogram of white and 13 denars for kilogram of black grapes in several installments. Part of the money was to be paid before New Year s, and the total amount by the final deadline in April. Unfortunately, some grape-growers have failed to collect their claims for the 2014 harvest, let alone this year s. Draft-law on legalizing cannabis for medical purposes prepared According to the law, the cannabis must be produced and used in Macedonia only, and only legal entities will be allowed to grow it. The medicament will be available on a prescription issued by a specialist-doctor working at a hospital. Pharmacies shall charge a certain fee for the medicament, according to the Law. Amendments to the Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control are envisaged so as allow for a legal, controlled use of cannabis products for medical purposes in the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia launches first soil map at regional level: Farmers to be fully informed about soil properties The Ministry of Agriculture solved the several-decades dilemma of farmers by presenting the first soil map in Macedonia and in the region in general. Now, farmers are able to make an informed decision as to what plants to cultivate in given areas depending on the soil properties, which are presented in the map.

3 How we spend the day - SSO publishes data on Macedonian s use of time In 2014 and 2015, Macedonians had more time to sleep, eat and drink, and leisure time in general relative to Data published by the State Statistical Office show that an average citizen of Macedonian over 10 years of age gets over 8.5 hours of sleep every day, spends around 2 hours eating, and about 2.5 hours working. National Bank of Macedonia warns of a spill-over effect of political developments on the economy The latest analyses of Macedonia s economy show that the macroeconomic overview in November is very similar to that of October. The projections for solid economic and credit growth remain unchanged, as the absence of price pressures. The foreign exchange reserves will be maintained at adequate level. This was the conclusion of the Operative Monetary Policy Committee. According to the Committee, possible risks stem from the uncertainties in the domestic environment and external influences. Fitch warns of Chinese hard landing scenario A sharp slowdown in the world's second largest economy China would hit global growth hard, according to a report by Fitch ratings agency, which warned of "significant knock-on effects" for the rest of the world. In its report published Tuesday, Fitch warned that a sharp slowdown in China's

4 GDP growth rate to 2.3 percent during "would disrupt global trade and hinder growth, with significant knock-on effects for emerging markets and global corporates. In turn, this would keep short-term interest rates and commodity prices lower for longer." (Source & more info:cnbc) Amendments to urban equipment decision: Food booths to be obliged to submit special studies Food booths placed in Skopje will be allowed to sell food, but only after presenting a study that gets the approval of the City of Skopje. This has been introduced with the latest amendments to the decision on standards temporary facilities must meet, adopted at the Council of Skopje s latest meeting. Owners of temporary facilities will cover the extra costs themselves. At the same time, this regulation will put in force food handling rules for food booths. MASA presents Kozloduy nuclear power plant - nuclear energy is safer and cleaner to some alternatives Nuclear energy is safe and does not pollute the environment. The new reactors being made at the moment are completely safe. This was pointed out by Stefan Vodenicarov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, at a lecture entitled: Degradation of metal structures of radiation and influence of the lifespan of NPPKozloduy held at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Mr. Vodenicarov said it was of paramount importance to have well-trained nuclear energy specialists and authorities that support progressive ideas. Cooperation between Macedonian companies and foreign investors increases The number of domestic companies cooperating with foreign investors is increasing at a steady pace. At the moment, over 500 companies are working together with foreign investors. The initial projections were that

5 domestic companies would cash in about 30 million euros, but this number has risen to 50 million euros, as the number of investors is rising. A good example of this is the construction companies hired to build the facilities of new investors, which earned 26 million euros in the past two years. Experts say this is a win-win situation - domestic companies get more work and chance to develop, to get access to know-how and technology, new standards, and bolster general competitiveness, as well as their access to foreign markets. Foreign companies get to supply goods at lower prices and at faster delivery time. New gas price to be presented once end-of-year calculations are completed GA-MA, the company which holds the license for gas-related activities in Macedonia, including transmission of natural gas and managing the gas transmission system, submitted its report to the Energy Regulatory Commission demanding that a higher price of gas be introduced. More specifically, the company demands from the ERC the approval of an adjusted income of about 600 million denars and new, higher tariffs for gas transmission and the gas transmission system management. GA-MA believes the total price of services should stand at per Nm3. However, the Energy Regulatory Commission is to decide by the end of this month. Last year, the price of gas went up by 4.969% at the end of the year. Macedonians experience holiday spending fever The Consumers Organization of Macedonia advises citizens to pay attention to expiry dates on products, to see whether prices on shelves are the same to the ones being charged at the register, and to prepare New Year s packages for their children themselves rather than buying pre-packed ones. Some food retailers have decided to clean out their warehouses, selling food products whose expiry date is close at extremely low prices. Skopje hosts Agro Business Forum Agro-Business Forum 2015, organized by ProCredit Bank will be held under slogan "Modern in Agro" in Skopje on Thursday. The event will include the

6 presentation of awards to businesses in primary agriculture, organic production and processing of agricultural products, which invest in modernization and development, implement innovative practices and have growth plans in place. ProCredit Bank will provide the opportunity to the laureates to visit modern agro-businesses abroad, where they could exchange experiences and know-how. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Mihail Cvetkov is set to address the forum. ProCredit Bank has already rewarded over 30 successful agro-businesses. Last year's recipients took part at the largest agriculture show in Europe "Fruit Logistica" in Berlin. (Source:Independent.mk)