PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT 2017-2020 Support for domestic enterprises One of the Government priorities will be development of domestic enterprises, primarily small and medium enterprises. It will create vibrant and predictable business climate, free of political pressure and repressions. Special attention will be directed to linking domestic enterprises with foreign companies operating in the technological and industrial zones. Our goal is to secure a 5% average growth rate of the economy over our 4-year term. In this regards, the Government will increase state support of entrepreneurship stimulating growth of production of domestic enterprises to 20 million EUR in the first year of the term, hoping to reach 50 million EUR by the last year of the term. These funds will be supplemented by foreign credit lines. Domestic enterprises have been challenged by problems of unsettled state obligations on grounds of invoices and VAT returns. Business chamber estimates of debt levels are frightening, confirming that the Macedonian economy is in dire condition. In the first 100 days, the Government will publicly reveal all accumulated state arrears. It will immediately put forth a detailed plan for payment of arrears with clear deadlines. The Government will also promote policies for timely payment of arrears. Fiscal discipline from enterprises and citizens cannot be expected if the State fails to abide by it. The Government will promote a favorable business climate by supporting policies of cooperation with the business sector, non-discrimination, increased efficiency and transparency of institutions and full respect of rule of law. Among else, it implies: 5 ∎ Introduction of regular communication channels between the business community and the Government. The Cabinet and the business community will regularly communicate and consult before the amendment and adoption of new legislation. Systemic and open dialogue with the business community will imply comprehensive use of the National Electronic Register of Regulations (ENER). Additionally, we will increase the minimum days required for consultations from 20 to 30 days. ∎ Short parliamentary procedures in adoption of laws create legal insecurity and regulatory burden for enterprises. They will be regulated by exemptions and special limitations. Amendment of laws will include periods for adaptation of enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises. On suggestion of NGOs, trade unions and chambers, the Parliament will prepare consolidated versions of legal texts. ∎ Reform the regulatory impact assessment mechanism (ex post) with compulsory participation of NGOs and the business community. ∎ Key institutions involved in and influencing the business climate will start publishing official and legally-binding instructions for implementation of laws pertaining to their area. They will be obliged to publish all relevant laws, by-laws and internal procedures on their webpages. ∎ Elimination of all unnecessary documents requested by institutions in administrative procedures in view of decreasing additional costs. The total cost of services must be clearly indicated. Institutions will previously consult the business community regarding procedures causing biggest problems or longest procedures.