On June 8th, USAID Administrator and Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance Henrietta H. Fore came to Macedonia for a two-day visit packed with meeting and events.

This was her first visit to Macedonia, and an opportunity to see first-hand the results of U.S. Government assistance to this country over the last 15 years.

During her stay, Ms. Fore met with President Crvenkovski, visited a local school renovated by USAID, discussed government decentralization with a group of mayors, toured a state-of-the-art film production facility, and attended a reception for members of the Macedonian private and public sectors.

She encouraged continued progress on implementation of the Framework Agreement and emphasized the U.S. Government’s continued support for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. In her closing remarks, Administrator Fore said that the visit had helped her understand the political and economic challenges facing Macedonia, but also to appreciate the talents and potential of its people.

She was particularly impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit of the business community and stressed the importance of the private sector in fostering the country’s development.