Greece is amongst the biggest foreign investors in the neighboring former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), according to figures presented during an event on investment opportunities in the country, hosted on Thursday by the Federation of Northern Greece Industries in Thessaloniki.

According to official statistics, 80 percent of companies belonging to Greek interests active in FYROM textiles sector (totaling 58 companies) are found in the southern part of the country, primarily in the vicinity of Bitola and Gevgelija, and employ roughly 6,000 people.

Food and beverages is another sector with an increased Greek business presence. Specifically, a total of 22 companies employ 2,500 people, with roughly half operating in the city of Skopje or its outskirts.

The economic and trade secretary at the Greek Liaison Office in Skopje, Eleni Karayanni, noted that the distribution of Greek investments in the neighboring country shows that 28 percent involves the banking sector; 25 percent in energy; 17 percent in telecoms; 15 percent in industrial production; 10 percent in the food and beverages sector, while 5 percent is in other sectors.

Most opportunities for Greek investments are found in the sectors of energy, transportation and IT technology, according to speakers at the event, which was attended by entrepreneurs from both countries.