The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia – SwissCham MK and the Swiss Increasing Market Employability programme (IME), with the support of MSC Macedonia, held a Reefer Master Class on the latest trends and practices in cold-chain logistics, aimed at strengthening the export competitiveness of Macedonian companies.
The event brought together representatives of export-oriented companies, logistics experts and institutions, along with companies planning to enter foreign markets, to exchange practical knowledge on optimising logistics processes, managing risk and improving efficiency across supply chains.
Opening remarks were given by Ms Sanja Radovanović, Chief Executive of MSC Macedonia and Vice President of SwissCham MK, and Ms Michal Harari, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland. The expert session was delivered by Ms Ljiljana Lukić, a recognised logistics specialist with many years of experience at MSC Serbia, while Mr Dragan Ivanovski, Head of the Department for Customs Tariff, Origin and Customs Value of Goods, addressed the institutional side of easing export procedures.
Sanja Radovanović, Chief Executive of MSC Macedonia and Vice President of SwissCham MK, said
“Logistics today is not merely business support; it is a strategic advantage. The idea behind the cooperation between SwissCham MK and MSC is to use education and the exchange of knowledge to help companies that already export, and those that plan to, reduce their costs and secure reliable delivery — particularly for goods that are sensitive to temperature change in transit. A significant part of SwissCham MK’s work will be devoted to encouraging and strengthening companies’ export orientation.”
As Michal Harari, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland, emphasised, “SwissCham MK is an important platform for building partnerships and opening new trade opportunities through synergy with programmes supported by the Swiss Embassy, such as the Swiss Increasing Market Employability programme – IME, which contribute to greater competitiveness.”
The discussion focused on modern solutions for transporting temperature-sensitive goods and on the role of global logistics systems in opening new markets for Macedonian companies, given that MSC, as a global leader, serves more than 300 routes and 520 ports worldwide.
Ljiljana Lukić of MSC Serbia stressed “The key to successfully exporting temperature-sensitive products is consistency of temperature and humidity in transit, where even small deviations can cause considerable losses. Correct management of refrigerated containers and real-time monitoring are only part of the modern toolkit. For customers this approach means greater efficiency and accountability for climate-sustainable solutions in one segment of the supply chain.”
New digital tools for tracking export procedures were also presented as an important instrument for increasing efficiency and transparency in the logistics chain. Particular attention was given to the role of customs services in facilitating international trade, and to the use of digitalised tools for efficient, transparent customs procedures — essential for faster movement of goods, fewer administrative barriers and greater competitiveness for exporters.
Participants emphasised that raising the competitiveness of Macedonian companies, particularly through exports, should rest on access to knowledge and modern practice. They welcomed the deliberate choice of Gevgelija as the venue, given that the southern region is a significant centre of manufacturing, especially in agriculture and in fruit and vegetable processing, which brings the initiative directly to the companies generating export potential.
SwissCham MK is a platform connecting the business community and institutions in order to encourage sustainable economic development: by building and advancing long-term Swiss-Macedonian business relations, promoting Swiss values, knowledge and good business practice, and creating a platform for dialogue, cooperation and effective networking between the business community and its partners.
