AGROKOR opens distribution centre in Strumica

Agrokor

Croatian company AGROKOR opened Sunday in Strumica “AgroFructus” purchasing and distribution centre for vegetables and fruits worth EUR 20 million. The capacity of the centre is around 60.000 tonnes with tendency to soon increase to 100.000 tonnes.

- The value of investment is very important, but what is more important is the fact that it will bring safe purchase and distribution, larger incomes and bigger competition, PM Nikola Gruevski said addressing the opening ceremony of “AgroFructus” distribution centre.

Gruevski said that the centre is new start for the Macedonian agriculture especially in relation to distribution and will be an example from standards point of view for all future potential investors.

- In the time we are living the private sector realises the distribution. From hereon is the task of the Republic of Macedonia to attract investors that will build more such centres, Gruevski said.

Government besides providing distribution also it increased subsidies and intensively works on agricultural land distribution, Gruevski said.

“AgroFructus” is only the beginning of investments that AGROKOR is planning in the country. Ivica Todoric, chairman of company’s management, said that another similar facility will be built close to “AgroFructus” and also other centres in other regions in the country.

- This capacity that Macedonia has in relation to quality and ecological conditions must be used. Only in this way we will increase the competition of production and this will mean better living standards for the citizens, Todoric said.

Thanking the Macedonian Government for the support, Todoric pointed out that Gruevski did not allow time to be wasted in regard to realisation of the investment.

The largest world investors are prepared to come here. It is excellent news for Macedonia, Todoric said and confirmed that AGROKOR considers other investments in Macedonia.

So far the company purchased and exported from Strumica region around 30.000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables and from Valandovo region around 10 million litres of wine.

Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski, Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply Ljupco Dimovski, Deputy Agriculture Minister Zoran Konjanovski and other officials of local self-government and MPs attended the opening ceremony.