The event will consist of two sessions:
- Morning session
Opening remarks and Keynote address: Led by representatives of the European Commission (EC), Economic Chamber of North Macedonia (ECNM), and the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF), where the EC will introduce the main regional policy priorities that support the competitiveness of MSMEs, and ECNM and WB6 CIF will provide a reflection and an outlook of barriers and opportunities experienced by the private sector.
Panels on financing opportunities: This part will feature three panels that focus on financing opportunities for MSMEs under the WBIF, linked to identified policy priorities. These panels will be moderated by the ECNM and will include representatives from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) as well as commercial banks and MSMEs already benefitting from these IFI/EC instruments. The panels will share practical information on different financing products & benefits and discuss available funding options in the WB region and how MSMEs can access these.
- Afternoon session
B2F Matchmaking: This part of the event will provide an opportunity for IFIs, Financial Intermediaries, MSMEs, Chambers of Commerce, and the Commission to hold interactive discussions, network and exchange views on needs and opportunities in all WB capital cities.
The morning session (introduction and panels) will take place in Skopje with an online connection for participants in the other 5 capital cities in the region. The afternoon session (B2F Matchmaking) will be held in person and remotely in all six WB capitals simultaneously.
