Declaration on Partnership Signed for Formalization of the Informal Economy in North Macedonia

On 18.02.2026, within the framework of the Annual Conference "Formalization of the Informal Economy: Through Cooperation to Success", the Declaration on Partnership and Action was signed, with the aim of strengthening the cooperation between institutions for the formalization of the informal economy in North Macedonia.

The informal economy has a significant impact on public finances, market competitiveness and social justice. By signing the Declaration, the institutions committed to working together to reduce the shadow economy, improve institutional control mechanisms and create a fairer economic environment.

In this context, the State Statistical Office (SSO) plays a key role in providing timely, accurate and high-quality statistical data in creating policies and strategies for dealing with the informal economy, as well as in analyzing its scope and structure. By providing access to anonymized microdata for scientific research purposes, the SSO supports academic and research institutions in conducting studies to identify the causes and models of the informal economy, and to propose solutions.

The conference was addressed by the Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, the Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, MA, the Minister of Economy and Labor, Mr. Besar Durmishi, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University "St. Cyril and Methodius" - Skopje, Prof. Dr. Mijalche Santa, the ILO National Coordinator for North Macedonia, Mr. Emil Krstanovski, as well as the UNDP Resident Representative in the country, Mr. Armen Grigorian, and other representatives of the academic community, the business community and trade unions were also present.

In accordance with the Declaration, the SSO will continue to improve statistical methodologies, support efforts to monitor the effects of measures against the informal economy, and provide reliable data that will contribute to more efficient management of public resources and economic policies. The signing of the Declaration confirms the determination of all institutions to work together to improve the economic situation and reduce the impact of the informal economy in the country.