THE PANELS
#SEFF2023

SEFF 2023 – Welcome note, Opening and Keynote Address

ABOUT SEFF

Skopje Economic and Finance Forum (SEFF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Finance aiming to facilitate public policy debates on relevant topics for the Republic of North Macedonia and Southeastern Europe, through annual conferences, occasional seminars, and a policy portal for analyses and commentaries.

Its intention is to encourage the synergy of ideas and initiatives by policymakers, political representatives, international development partners, civil society, academics, the business sector, and other experts and stakeholders to improve the policy dialogue on economic and financial topics with national and regional outreach.

The decision to organize a high-level international conference by the Ministry of Finance arises from our commitment as an institution to promote transparency and inclusive dialogue with relevant stakeholders. The inclusion is of particular importance in creating future policies and measures, reaching better results in achieving our goals, i.e., economic recovery and inclusive, accelerated, and green growth.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It is important to focus on policies that not only provide a strong impetus for recovery and growth acceleration but also resilience in the context of new challenges. The policy recommendations emphasize the need for evidence-based, coherent, and comprehensive policymaking followed by continuous monitoring and thorough policy evaluation. This year the focus is on speeding up the European integration of Western Balkans in the spirit of the European Commission’s plan for Western Balkans, announced by the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, in late May 2023. As highlighted by the participants and stakeholders, the Annual International Conference held by the Ministry of Finance is growing into a respectable tradition.