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“These individuals need no introduction. They are top business leaders, patriots with deep dedication and a sincere passion for contributing to our country’s progress,” – was the shared statement with which moderator Borijan Borozanov introduced Mike Zafirovski, John Bitove Junior, and Zhivko Mukaetov at the second panel of the Macedonia2025 Summit, titled “Coming of Age – Where we are and where we are going?”

Zafirovski recalled the early inspiration for the organization, dating back to 2002, when former President Boris Trajkovski, followed by Branko Crvenkovski, called on the Macedonian diaspora for support. In 2006, John Bitove Senior initiated the idea of forming an organization that would unite professionals dedicated to promoting Macedonia’s economic development, stating: “Those who give will receive in return – as long as they give from the heart.” According to John Bitove Jr., one of the most important benefits of this organization is the Summit, which has been held in Macedonia since 2012, focusing this year on exceptional business stories. “Hard work and integrity should drive Macedonians forward. Macedonia may be small, but we should see that as an advantage in terms of mobilization and opportunity.” - Bitove remarked.

Mukaetov, the longest-serving local member of Macedonia2025, emphasized that the most important factor that has 'kept' him for all 14 years of his term has been the members’ shared vision, their deep love for the country and collective desire to contribute to its growth and development. “I first met John Bitove Senior in 2012 during my presentation before the organization’s Board in Toronto. I still remember his optimism, passion, determination, and commitment to the prosperity of our country. I am inspired by the enthusiasm of Mike, John, and the rest, and I consider Macedonia2025’s role in shaping the next generation of Macedonian leaders to be an added value to the organization. For me, Macedonia2025 is a movement strongly driven by vision, action, and a deep-rooted love for our country,” Mukaetov shared.

Leadership and education were identified by the participants as two core elements for achieving economic growth and development. Highlighting Alkaloid as a prime example of a national business and economic champion, Borozanov sought the recipe for success at Alkaloid: "Simply put, it's strategic discipline, continuous investments — in quality, production capacities, cutting-edge technology, and above all, in our people; aligning and observing stringent international standards without any improvisation. By diversifying our placements, we have reduced dependence on the domestic market and fostered sustainable growth. By building capacities for semi-synthetic cephalosporins, for which we are currently Europe’s leading manufacturer, choosing the British regulatory agency as a reference, and digital transformation, along with investments in talent and R&D, we have succeeded in innovating, establishing ourselves in regulated markets, and growing in a dynamic industry” Mukaetov explained.

This year’s Macedonia2025 Summit in Skopje brought together over 700 participants from the business community, politics, and academia. The CEO and President of the Management Board of Alkaloid has been a member of this ‘think & do’ tank organization since December 2011.