Growth of entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises through exchange of experience, consultancy, export support and investments is in the focus of the new five-year USAID project, launched in Skopje on Tuesday.

The project is worth about US$2 million, of which US$800,000 for the investment fund, where amounts of US$80,000-100,000 will be allocated per investment.

"Micro and small enterprises encompass about 99 percent of the total number of firms, absorbing approximately 80 percent of the country's workforce. The project will contribute in orienting Macedonia's micro and small enterprises towards export, resulting in the opening of new jobs and the country's economic growth", said Economy Minister Valon Saraqini at the project's promotion.

The project will be implemented in five regions - Skopje, Polog, Eastern Macedonia, Vardar and South East region.