The Governor of the National Bank, Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, actively participated in the high-level conference Economic and Financial Dialogue with the EU - Recommendations Translated into Reform Measures, dedicated to the Economic Reform Program 2020-2022. At the panel discussion, she referred to some of the conclusions and assessments of the Program, which are under the direct or indirect competence of the central bank. A particular emphasis was put on issues related to non-performing loans, the euroisation of the economy and the growth of consumer loans, as well as the current activities related to the formal setting of the macro-prudential function of the National Bank. 

"The problem with the non-performing loans is far less pronounced in our country than in other countries in the region. Thanks to the bank prudence and the adequacy of the our regulations, the ratio of NPLs currently equals 5%. In order to maintain a sound banking system, as well as to enable sustainable credit growth, it is crucial to retain the systematic approach and to pursue activities for further reduction of NPLs"- emphasized the Governor, pointing out that for the purpose of more efficient dealing and better management of the non-performing loans, a Non-Performing Loan Resolution and Management Strategy prepared by the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance, was adopted at the end of last year.

As regards euroization, Angelovska Bezhoska emphasized that in our country, it has been constantly decreasing, being the lowest at regional level, which is a result of the stability of both economy and banks in the country, as well as the variety of measures taken so far. “A large progress has been made in reducing eurozation”. The share of foreign currency deposits and deposits with currency clause in total deposits decreased to around 40%. However, there is still need of actions in this area", - said the Governor, expressing confidence that the additional guidelines and measures defined in the adopted Denarization Strategy will contribute to a further increase in the use of the domestic currency.

Referring to the issue on the increase in consumer loans, Angelovska Bezhoska pointed out that although it is relatively high, given the low household indebtedness, good financial capacity and portfolio quality, risks remain contained. We continually monitor the situation and at the same time work on improving the analytical infrastructure for developing vulnerability indicators in this area, for the purpose of timely protection against possible risks"- she stressed. 

The conference Economic and Financial Dialogue with the EU - Recommendations Translated into Reform Measures is hosted by the Ministry of Finance. The conference panel discussion was also attended by the Minister of Information Society and Administration, Damjan Mancevski, the Minister of Education and Science, Arber Ademi, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Gjonul Bajraktar and the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Faton Seljami.