Importance of the agricultural sector for the economic development of the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

This paper analyse the role and importance of the agricultural sector for the economic development of the Republic of North Macedonia. The focus of the research is on the indicators that present the agricultural sector as real GDP and gross added value in the agricultural sector in the Republic of North Macedonia, for the period from 2000 to 2016. General conclusion is that GDP growth in the Republic of North Macedonia in the analysed period arise from the household production and gross investment. Also, agriculture is one of the four dominant sectors beside trade, industry and construction that contribute to economic growth in the Republic of North Macedonia. The share of the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in the real GDP in the Republic of North Macedonia is around 13%. The largest contribution from agriculture to the GDP of the Republic of North Macedonia arise from the Southeast, Pelagonia and Polog region. Therefore, measures and activities for stimulating economic growth should mostly be directed towards these regions. The relative share of the gross value added of agricultural production in the Republic of North Macedonia is around 10% of GDP and it considered to be important sector for economic development.