The Republic of Macedonia is seeking to deepen cooperation with China in areas including investment, energy, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges, according to its prime minister.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily following his visit to Chongqing last week, Nikola Gruevski reaffirmed the idea of establishing a special industrial zone for Chinese companies.

It is "a good opportunity to use Macedonia as a gateway for investing in the European market", said Gruevski.

"Chinese companies are showing an interest in cooperation. Processes have been established. Doors have been opened. We are building a partnership, which, I hope, will result in concrete steps forward."

The country has built new industrial zones in recent years and plans to open more to attract foreign investors.

The prime minister also sees potential to improve bilateral ties in areas including energy, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges.

Macedonia is focusing on completing several hydropower projects, which "will strengthen the power generation capacities of the country, and in which China can find its own interests", said Gruevski.

Agriculture is another field that needs further development.

He said his country has made great progress in terms of improving agricultural production and considers China an extraordinary opportunity and market for these products.

- Zhou Wa

(China Daily USA 07/12/2013 page6)