Macedonia 2025 concluded its annual board meeting in New York this past week. Along with developing new momentum and exciting plans for 2012, the Board of Directors welcomed Zivko Muaketov, President and CEO of Alkaloid AD Skopje to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Mukaetov is an active member of Macedonia’s business community. Not only is he the President and CEO of Alkaloid AD Skopje, the leading pharmaceutical company in Skopje, but is also the Vice President of the Macedonian Chamber of Commerce, and actively involved in various economically important institutions and socially responsible activities throughout the country.

At the welcoming reception, Mr. Muakaetov stated: “It is my honour and pleasure to join this association. I am honored I was given the trust to enter into this organization that has clearly defined and highly set concerns for Macedonia. I am sure that together we will be able to make at least a little bit of difference”.

As an active participate of the Macedonian business community, Zivko Mukaetov has been awarded the “Business Person of the Year for 2009” and “Person of the Year for 2009” by the Macedonian weekly magazine FORUM. In 2010, the European Movement of Macedonia awarded him for “Special Contribution in the Promotion of the Republic of Macedonia, its Economy and Culture in Europe, Promotion of the European Idea and Values.” In November 2011, Mr. Mukaetov received the “MK Business Leader” award by the European Business Association.

Macedonia 2025 feels strongly that Mr. Mukaetov’s expertise is a great addition to the Board of Directors. His accomplishments as a successful business leader with contribute greatly to the promotion of economic development, inspiration for future business leaders, and transparency within corporate practices in Macedonia. In addition, his global managerial experience will contribute to the capacity building efforts of Macedonia 2025 to better prepare Macedonian businesses with skills to strengthen competitiveness in the domestic, regional and global markets.

“While gathering information on the prospects on Macedonia 2025, I only had one general conclusion: that this organization has lots of hard tasks ahead” – says Mr. Mukaetov. “Fulfilling the objectives of the organization will not be an easy thing to do. However, I will be glad to face this challenge for making a difference that would better position my country in the world, by using my knowledge on Macedonia’s international ranking, major weaknesses and main opportunities”- he concludes.