Construction of Rankovce-Kriva Palanka express road, railroad, energy networking, opening of new border crossings are Macedonia and Bulgaria's joint priorities, said Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski after Monday's meeting with Bulgaria's Deputy PM for Economic Development Daniela Bobeva at the Macedonia-Bulgaria Business Expo Days in Stip and Kocani.

"Improvement of the road infrastructure is the top priority, and our focus will be on this section, but also the railroad", said Stavreski.

Another ongoing project is the construction of the railroad from Kumanovo to the Bulgarian border.

"This is a project due to be completed by 2016, when the Beljakovce-Kriva Palanka section will be launched, followed by the Kriva Palanka-Bulgaria border stage. I believe this will open new perspectives for transport of passengers and commodities, enabling the use of the Varna port as alternative to Thessaloniki, which is significant for the competitiveness of Macedonia's economy", stressed Stavreski.

He announced the construction of a new express road Rankovce-Kriva Palanka by the end of 2015 or the beginning of 2016, aimed at faster transport and communication with Bulgaria.

Deputy PM Bobeva said improvement of the infrastructure leading to Macedonia was also Bulgaria's priority, along with the opening of new border crossings towards bilateral trade development.

"We see exceptional potential in industry, as well as joint promotion at markets and joint export of products at third markets", added Bobeva.

Stavreski and Bobeva also referred to cooperation in the tourism sector through offers of joint tours of the countries' historic traits and destinations.

Interlocutors stressed the trade exchange amounting to EUR 520 million should motivate both sides to increase cooperation through dialogue.