Official statistics show that use of computers and Internet in Macedonia is on the rise in all social sectors.

According to State Statistical Office data, 55 percent of households had Internet access in Q1 of 2011, which represents an increase by 8.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, 58.9 percent of the total population aged 15-74 use the computer, while 56.7 percent use the Internet, primarily pupils and students.

"I am overjoyed that the Macedonian Internet environment is continually rising. There are numerous entertainment portals, e-newspapers, targeted portals, corporate sites, forums and blogs that touch upon diverse issues of interest, but also contribute to development of democracy in the country. There is an increasingly sophisticated e-banking, along with gradual development of e-commerce", said Minister of Information Society and Administration Ivo Ivanovski in his address at Tuesday's event "Site of the Year".

He added the Ministry has also launched an initiative for development of e-business through opening of a call for 100 best e-business plans for opening an e-shop.

"The call for the first 50 e-shops is open until the year-end, whereas another one for the same number of e-shops will be announced in the course of 2012", stressed Minister Ivanovski.

Event "Site of the Year" is held under the President's auspices, and supported by the Ministry of Information Society and Administration. More than 10,000 Internet users have voted the winners among 250 websites.