The Ministry of Economy (MoE) prepared a strategy for development of national Industrial Policy in-line with EU requirements. The first phase includes a Benchmarking study on institutional organization and cooperation, followed by development of methodology for measurement of the competitiveness indicators of various industrial sectors in Macedonia. The assessment of the present situation shows that some basic research and studies have been developed by different government departments and institutions. Sectoral studies were developed by the MoE, donors and consultants, as well as academic institutions and think-tanks.

The purpose of the workshop was to analyze the present situation and to define all the work done by now in order to avoid unnecessary activities and duplication of work. The workshop was the first step in building cooperation in this area among different ministerial departments, institutions and other partners that need this system for creating efficient policies.

The participants:

- Discussed and designed the potential Industrial Policy project structure and process,

- Identified all studies developed and expertise existing in the country

- Defined the objectives for further development of indicators and measurement system in the country

- Defined the role of each partner in the project

- Defined the expertise and knowledge needed for the local project team (methodology, statistical analyses and industry expertise)

The workshop was attended by participants from the following institutions: Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, State Statistical Office, Center for Economic Analysis, Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics, NECC, GTZ, UNDP, World Bank and USAID.