PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT 2017-2020 ∎ Whenever possible, big tenders will be divided in multiple lots available to SMEs, provided it does not undermine the quality of the procurement. Concurrently, the number of lots any given company can apply to will be limited. ∎ Application of the value for money principle. Lowest bidding prices will no longer be accepted as a rule of the thumb. ∎ Reduction of the information asymmetry affecting SMEs by simplifying application procedures and fast information flow. Economic growth depends on investments in R&D and development of new technologies and industries with high return of investments. To this end, the Government will finance at least 10 research projects annually that have been developed by scientific institutions and accepted by chambers of commerce in Macedonia. We will support value-added services (IT companies, telecommunications, architecture, etc.) by covering 50% of equipment costs necessary for new investment, amounting to a maximum 50,000 EUR. The Government will provide tax relief for all software-and-services-exporting ICT companies and lower the IT profit tax to 5%. These measures should propel new employment, increased foreign account inflow and the set-up of new IT companies. In cooperation with the Macedonian ICT community, the Government will finance innovative solutions to increase the effectiveness of 1) agricultural, 2) educational and 3) internal affairs policies. The Government will support the establishment of a technology and development research center in view of determining the advantages of Macedonian small and medium enterprises vis-à-vis their European counterparts, especially in terms of eliminating the lagging segments, such as wrapping, marketing, delivery deadlines, quality levels, consistent management techniques, etc. We will increase the use of technical support foreign aid, as well as all funds available to domestic enterprises for introduction of new technological processes, productivity increase, etc. The Government will provide financial support lines to help companies launch new products and production design, introduce modern production and quality control methods, modern logistics and distribution, as well as attainment of quality and home produce promotion certificates. The Government will lead active and transparent policies for attracting foreign direct investments. It will stimulate high value-added investments and link them with domestic companies. In addition, the Government will publish a detailed cost-benefit analysis of foreign investments and gains made in the past, especially those benefiting state support. The Government will provide tax relief to Macedonian expats interested in investing in the country. To this end, it will rely on the funds foreseen in the SME and start-ups investment fund, as well as MBPR’s guarantee scheme. 8