FIRST BUSINESS FORUM ON PLASTIC RECYCLING HELD IN OHRID

On June 18-19, 2008, in Ohrid, the USAID Plastic Recycling Project and the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE) organized a Business Forum on Plastic Recycling. This is the first ever organized Business Forum focused on recycling in Macedonia.

During the Forum, experts from Italy gave presentations on new Italian and European trends in recycling, allocation of roles and responsibilities on the municipal level as well as benefits from public- private partnerships.

Approximately 100 representatives from public and private utility companies, recycling companies and representatives of local governments from Macedonia attended the presentations. One of the numerous benefits of this Forum was that business sector representatives from both countries had an opportunity to hold B2B (business to business) meetings to exchange information and to discuss opportunities for potential cooperation.

On June 18, 2008, during the Forum, the first Association of PET recyclers (PETRA) in Macedonia was established. Representatives of 21 companies joined the Association.

At the official opening of the Forum, USAID/ Macedonia Mission Director Patricia Rader, H.E. Ambassador of Republic of Italy, Donatino Marcon and State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Dejan Panovski, delivered their speeches.

“Around the globe, world leaders are focusing on the role of private and public sectors in protecting our planet. That is why it is so rewarding to see here today members of the government, businessmen, and community leaders who are ready to discuss existing and potential partnerships that will turn plastic recycling into a sustainable industry in Macedonia”, sad USAID/ Macedonia Mission Director Patricia Rader.

Agenda- click here for more