G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
19 March  2019 
(19-1685) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Original: English  
 
SUBSIDIES  
NEW AND FULL NOTIFIC ATION PURSUANT TO AR TICLE  XVI:1 OF  
THE GATT  1994 AND ARTICLE  25 OF THE AGREEMENT ON 
SUBSIDIES AND COUNTE RVAILING MEASURES  
NORTH MACEDONIA  
The following communication, dated 12 February  2019, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the Republic of North Macedonia . 
 
_______________  
 
In accordance with Article  25 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, and in response 
to the document G/SCM/N/315/MKD, the Gover nment of the Republic of North Macedonia notifies the 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures data supplied by the authority in charge of the 
subsidy, as related in program financed by the State Budget for 2019. The notification covers programs in 
the following categories: support and development of small and medium sized enterprises and crafts, 
implementation of industrial policy, support and development of the cluster association, social 
respon sibility and tourism. The notification provided in this notification is for transparency purposes. The 
amount of support is shown in Macedonian Denars (MKD).  
  G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
1   SUPPORT AND DEVELOP MENT OF MICRO, SMALL  AND MEDIUM SIZED 
ENTERPRISES AND CRAF TS ................................ ................................ .................  2 
2   IMPLEMENTATION OF I NDUSTRIAL POLICY  ................................ ...................  4 
3   SUPPORT AND DEVE LOPMENT OF THE CLUST ER ASSOCIATION  ......................  5 
4   SOCIAL RESPONSIB ILITY  ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
5   DEVELOPMENT IN T OURISM  ................................ ................................ ...........  8 
 
 
1  SUPPORT AND DEVELOPM ENT OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENT ERPRISES 
AND CRAFTS  
1. Title of the subsidy programme, if relevant, or brief description or identification of the subsidy  
"Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019 ". 
2. Period covered by the notification  
2019. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The support is given for:  
1. Support and development of entrepreneurship and crafts:  
1.1. Projects of Craft Cha mbers for development and promotion of crafts ; and  
1.2. Projects for development and support of SMEs and promotion of entrepreneurship . 
2. Support for micro, small and medium enterprises and artisans:  
2.1. Purchase of equipment and tools; introduction of software solutions; consulting services 
for linking in the suppliers ' chains; solving bottlenecks in the production process; 
preparation of development projects; and preparation of projects applications for EU 
funds . 
3. Support of women entrepreneurship : 
3.1. Purchase of e quipment and tools; editing and improvement of the business space; and  
3.2. Introduction of software solutions  
4. Support of artisans:  
4.1. Purchase of equipment and tools; organizing and improvement of the business space 
and introduction of software solutions . 
5. Support  of enterprises to increase its competitiveness and participation on the market : 
5.1. Reimbursement of part of expenses for certification of quality systems according to ISO 
standards ; 
5.2. Certification of HALAL system ; and  
5.3. Participation on domestic and internation al fairs . 
6. Support for professional training of MSMSs employees:  
6.1. Purchase of equipment, instruments, tools for training, acquiring skills and 
qualifications;  
6.2. Educational costs of the employees in SMSs; and  
6.3. Promotional activities (organizing presentations in  eight planning regions) . G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  4. Background and authority for the subsidy (including identification of the legislation under which it is 
granted)  
Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019 is published in the Official 
Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia  No. 16/2019. Authority responsible for the subsidy: Ministry 
of Economy.  
The procedure for allocation of funds is carried out by launching public calls on the web -site of the Ministry 
of Economy, no later than 31 March  2019.  
www.economy.gov.mk; and  
www.konkurentnost.mk.  
5. Form of the subsidy (i.e. grant, loan, tax concession, etc.)  
The subsidy is granted in the form of grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided (whether to producers, to exporters, or others: through 
what mec hanism: whether a fixed or fluctuating amount per unit: if the latter, how determined)  
The support is given in the form of compensation of part of the expenses of the companies and 
associations -applicants. The Ministry of Economy compensates the following by items:  
- 75% of documented expenses but not more than 300.000  MKD for each company for 
item 1.1; 
- 75% of documented expenses but not more than 450.000  MKD for each company for 
item 1.2; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 300.000  MKD for each company for 
item 2; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 150.000  MKD for each company for 
item 3.1; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 60.000  MKD for each company for 
item 3.2; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 200.000  MKD for each company for 
item 4; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 100.000  MKD for each company for 
item 5.1; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 60.000  MKD for each company for 
item 5.2; 
- 60% of documented expenses but not more than 60.000  MKD and 120.000  MKD for 
each company for item  5.3; 
- 50% of documented expenses but not more than 400.000  MKD for each company for 
item 6.1; 
- 50% of documented expenses but not more than 60.000  MKD for each company for 
item 6.2; 
7. Subsidy per unit or in cases where  this is not possible, the total amount or the annual amount 
budgeted for that subsidy (indicating, if possible, the average subsidy per unit in the previous year). 
Where provision of per unit subsidy information (for the year covered by the notification, for the 
previous year, or both) is not possible, a full explanation  
The annual amount budgeted for the subsidy is 41.280.000  MKD allocated by items:  
1. Support and development of entrepreneurship and crafts – 6.000.000  MKD;  
2. Support for micro, small and medium enterprises and artisans – 21.000.000  MKD;  
3. Support of women entrepreneurship – 2.500.000  MKD; 
4. Support of artisans  – 4.000.000  MKD;  
5. Support of enterprises to increase its competitiveness and participation on the market 
– 4.500.000  MKD;  and 
6. Support for professional training of SMSs employees – 3.280.000  MKD. G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  8. Duration of the subsidy and/or any other time limits attached to it, including date of 
inception/commencement  
One year – 2019. 
9. Statistical data  
Such statistical data on trade effects of the Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and 
Entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia  is not available. The subsidy is given mostly to small 
and medium sized companies and associations, and there is a very small effect on trade.  
2  IMPLEMENTATION OF IN DUSTRIAL POLICY  
1. Title of the subsidy programme, if relevant, or brief description or identification of the subsidy  
"Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019 ". 
2. Period covered by  the notification  
2019. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The support is given for:  
1. Support for increasing the competitiveness of the business entities from the processing 
industry : 
1.1. Reimbursement of part of expenses to the business entities for development of the 
business entity, product development and development of a market ; 
1.1.1  Preparation of technical documentation for a new product, i.e., 
improvement of the existing product and/or preparation of an industrial 
design/product redesign;  
1.1.2  Develo pment of design solution and/or printing of: new packaging, 
labeling, product logo and promotional printed materials;  
1.1.3  Development of market research studies and/or marketing strategies 
and/or brand development activities;  
1.1.4  Development of energy efficiency projects and/or introduction of the 
standard for energy management ISO  50001;  
1.1.5  Providing certificate of conformity of a product;  
1.1.6  Cooperation between companies and universities;  
1.1.7  Expert analyses and preparation of technical -project documentation or 
technical feasibility study for: planned investment projects, preparation 
of the company for increasing energy efficiency, introduction of concept 
of circular economy (internal waste management system and 
environmental protection system, green economy, etc.) ; and  
1.1.8  Development of project documentation for installation of photovoltaic 
panels for electricity generation from renewable energy sources.  
2. Organizing specialized trainings  – in-depth and detailed technological trainings for the 
processing industry : 
2.1. Organizing sp ecialized trainings – in-depth and detailed technological trainings in the 
following sectors: automobile, textile, food processing and metal processing industry ; 
2.2. Organizing specialized vocational trainings in the leather and shoe industry ; 
2.3. Organizing train ings for introducing the concept of "greening of manufacturing 
industries " in more selected sectors ; and  
2.4. Organizing trainings for introducing the concept of circular economy in the 
manufacturing industry.  G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  4. Background and authority for the subsidy (including  identification of the legislation under which it is 
granted)  
Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019  is published in the Official 
Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia  No .16/2019. Authority responsible for the subsidy:  Ministry 
of Economy.  
The procedure for allocation of funds is carried out by launching public calls on the web -site of the Ministry 
of Economy  
www.economy.gov.mk; and  
www.konkurentnost.mk.  
5. Form of the subsidy (i.e. grant, loan, tax concession, etc.)  
The s ubsidy is granted in the form of grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided (whether to producers, to exporters, or others: through 
what mechanism: whether a fixed or fluctuating amount per unit: if the latter, how determined)  
The Ministry of Economy c ompensates 75 % of documented expenses but not more than 300.000  MKD for 
each business entity for items 1.1.1; 1.1.2; 1.1.3; 1.1.4; 1.1.5; 1.1.6; 1.1.7 and 1.1.8.; and 75 % of 
documented expenses for organizing specialized trainings – in-depth and detailed technological trainings 
for the processing industry for item  2. 
7. Subsidy per unit or in cases where this is not possible, the total amount or the annual amount 
budgeted for that subsidy (indicating, if possible, the average subsidy pe r unit in the previous year). 
Where provision of per unit subsidy information (for the year covered by the notification, for the 
previous year, or both) is not possible, a full explanation  
The annual amount budgeted for the subsidy is 3.700.000  MKD allocat ed by items:  
1. Support for increasing the competitiveness of the business entities from the processing 
industry  – 2.500.000  MKD;  and 
2. Organizing specialized trainings – in-depth and detailed technological trainings for the 
processing industry  – 1.200.000  MKD. 
8. Duration of the subsidy and/or any other time limits attached to it, including date of 
inception/commencement  
One year – 2019. 
9. Statistical data  
Such statistical data on trade effects of the Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and 
Entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia  is not available.  
3  SUPPORT AND DEVELOPM ENT OF THE CLUSTER A SSOCIATION  
1. Title of the subsidy programme, if relevant,  or brief description or identification of the subsidy  
"Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019 ". 
2. Period covered by the notification  
2019. G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The support is given for:  
1. Support and development of cluster association "Clusters for innovative and international 
oriented business ": 
- Purchase  of specific equipment or technological solutions ; 
- Cluster collaboration with Universities and/or collaboration among clusters ; 
- Development of brand strategy and brand products within the frames of the 
cluster ; 
- Joint innovative projects of development of new or improved products, processes 
or services ; 
- Organizing of specialized trainings, workshops and seminars for exchange of 
knowl edge; and 
- Promotion activities for clusters (organizing and participation business events  – 
as fairs, B2B meetings, trade and media missions, etc.).  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy (including identification of the legislation under which it is 
granted)  
Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019  is published in the Official 
Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia  No. 16/2019. Authority responsible for the subsidy: Ministry 
of Economy.  
The procedure for allocation of funds is carried out by launching public calls on the web -site of the Ministry 
of Economy  
www.economy.gov.mk; and  
www.konkurentnost.mk.  
5. Form of the subsidy (i.e. grant, loan, tax concession, etc.)  
The subsidy is granted in the form of grant.  
6. To whom and ho w the subsidy is provided (whether to producers, to exporters, or others: through 
what mechanism: whether a fixed or fluctuating amount per unit: if the latter, how determined)  
The Ministry of Economy compensates 75 % of the project but not more than 1.000. 000 MKD for each 
applicant individually per application, only for one request from the listed activities.  
7. Subsidy per unit or in cases where this is not possible, the total amount or the annual amount 
budgeted for that subsidy (indicating, if possible, the  average subsidy per unit in the previous year). 
Where provision of per unit subsidy information (for the year covered by the notification, for the 
previous year, or both) is not possible, a full explanation  
The annual amount budgeted for the subsidy is 7. 000.000  MKD allocated for item  1. 
8. Duration of the subsidy and/or any other time limits attached to it, including date of 
inception/commencement  
One year – 2019. 
9. Statistical data  
Such statistical data on trade effects of the Program for Competitiveness, Inn ovations and 
Entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia  is not available.  G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  4  SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y 
1. Title of the subsidy programme, if relevant, or brief description or identification of the subsidy  
"Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019 ". 
2. Period covered by the notification  
2019. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The support is given for:  
1. Support for development, maintenance and implementation of social acceptable practices of 
business entities:  
1.1. Reimb ursement of expenses for introduction and certification of social responsibility 
system in the company; and  
1.2. Reimbursement of expenses for introduction and certification of responsible market 
relations system . 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy (inclu ding identificationa of the legislationa under which it 
is granted)  
Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and Entrepreneurship for 2019  is published in the Official 
Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia  No. 16/2019. Authority responsible for the subsidy: Ministry 
of Economy.  
The procedure for allocation of funds is carried out by launching public calls on the web -site of the Ministry 
of Economy  
www.economy.gov.mk; and  
www.konkurentnost.mk.  
5. Form of the subsidy (i.e. grant, loan, tax concession, etc.) 
The subsidy is given in the form of grants.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided (whether to producers, to exporters, or others: through 
what mechanism: whether a fixed or fluctuating amount per unit: if the latter, how determined)  
The Ministry of  Economy compensates the following by items:  
- 70% of documented expenses but not more than 120.000  MKD for each company for 
item 1.1; and 
- 50% of documented expenses but not more than 27.675  MKD for each company for 
item 1.2. 
7. Subsidy per unit or in cases whe re this is not possible, the total amount or the annual amount 
budgeted for that subsidy (indicating, if possible, the average subsidy per unit in the previous year). 
Where provision of per unit subsidy information (for the year covered by the notification , for the 
previous year, or both) is not possible, a full explanation  
The annual amount budgeted for the subsidy is 1.200.000  MKD allocated for item  1. 
8. Duration of the subsidy and/or any other time limits attached to it, including date of 
inception/commencement  
One year – 2019. G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  9. Statistical data  
Such statistical data on trade effects of the Program for Competitiveness, Innovations and 
Entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia  is not available.  
5  DEVELOPMENT IN TOURI SM 
1. Title of the subsidy programme, if relevant, or brief description or identification of the subsidy  
"Program for Development in Tourism for 2019 ". 
2. Period covered by the notification  
2019. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The support is given for:  
1. International and bilateral cooperation in tourism within World Tourism Organization, 
European Committee for traveling, CEI, etc. and organizing of International Conference 
for Tourism . 
2. Education and training in tourism and catering to associations, busine ss entities and 
economic chambers . 
3. Campaign of ECO ACTION to the tourist centers in the country . 
4. Preparing of analyses and studies for Wine and Spa tourism as touristic attraction . 
5. Setting of unified Touristic signalization for cultural sites and localitie s. 
6. Support of rural households for tourism purposes . 
7. Support of business ideas for tourism, as created by students . 
8. Support of ten municipalities for preparing local strategies for development in tourism . 
9. Support of projects for innovation and digitalizati on in tourism . 
10. Support for Active tourism . 
11. Promotion of the mobile application "Visit Macedonia ". 
12. Promotion materials for tourism . 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy (including identificationa of the legislationa under which it 
is granted)  
Program for Development in Tourism for 2019  is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of North 
Macedonia  No. 16/2019. Authority responsible for the subsidy: Ministry of Economy.  
The procedure for allocation of funds is carried out by launching public calls on the web -site of the Ministry 
of Economy (www.economy.gov.mk), for:  
- Items 4 and 8 will be published a public call during February -April 2019 . 
- Item 5 will be published a public call during March -August 2019 . 
- Item 6 will be published a public call du ring February -October 2019 . 
- Items 9 and 12 will be published a public call during March -May 2019.  
5. Form of the subsidy (i.e. grant, loan, tax concession, etc.)  
The subsidy is given in the form of grants.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided (whether to p roducers, to exporters, or others: through 
what mechanism: whether a fixed or fluctuating amount per unit: if the latter, how determined)  
The Ministry of Economy compensates the following by items:  
- 50% of documented expenses but not more than 100.000  MKD f or each application for 
item 10. G/SCM/N/343/MKD  
 
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  7. Subsidy per unit or in cases where this is not possible, the total amount or the annual amount 
budgeted for that subsidy (indicating, if possible, the average subsidy per unit in the previous year). 
Where provision of per u nit subsidy information (for the year covered by the notification, for the 
previous year, or both) is not possible, a full explanation  
The annual amount budgeted for the subsidy is 26.000.000  MKD allocated for all 12  items.  
8. Duration of the subsidy and/or any other time limits attached to it, including date of 
inception/commencement  
One year – 2019. 
9. Statistical data  
Such statistical data on trade effects of the Program for Development in Tourism is not available.  
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