Our Mission


The USAID Competitiveness Project improves Macedonia economy and competitive position within the global market place. It supports catalytic initiatives to stimulate foreign and domestic investment, capture higher value export markets, alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, and generate significant numbers of new jobs for Macedonia.

Competitiveness Project Approach


The USAID Macedonia Competitiveness Project (MCP) is a five-year project, implemented by CARANA Corporation, that supports initiatives to stimulate foreign and domestic investment, capture higher value ex- port markets, and generate significant numbers of new jobs for Macedonia. MCP implements cost-effective, high- impact and market-oriented activities within an integrated approach that considers sector-specific issues as well those that affect Macedonia’s ability to achieve export-driven growth across sectors.

These activities are structured on vertical and horizontal levels.

Vertical component activities are creating new business and investment , and are enabling Macedonian companies and supply chains to better compete within a given industry or market.

Vertical Components include:

  • Apparel
  • light manufacturing
  • Information and Communication technology (ICT)

Horizontal or cross-cutting component activities benefit multiple sectors and make Macedonia a more competitive place to do business.

Horizontal Components include:

  • Access to finance,
  • Workforce development,
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

MCP market-led interventions typically involve:

 

  • Market linkages with international companies resulting in new export deals and strategic partnerships involving joint business ventures, investment and knowledge/technology transfer.
  • New foreign investment—green field, brown field or joint venture—leading to export-oriented job creation and the strengthening of supply chains and industries within Macedonia.
  • Financing—debt or equity—for Macedonian companies aiming to improve profitability, competitiveness and market positioning through investments in capacity expansion, productivity upgrades and product development.
  • Adoption of modern technologies and practices and compliance with certifications required to perform and be seen as credible partners.
  • Investments in students and employees, resulting in a workforce with upgraded skills and flexibility.

 

MCP leverages USAID funds through intensive collaboration with local implementing partners (who often offer in-kind services) and cost-sharing activities with project beneficiaries. Cost-sharing is a critical element to not only stretch use of available funds, but increase the likelihood of success and sustainability, as beneficiaries have a greater stake and ownership in the process.