Damage Done To Macedonian Economy Exceeds Billion German Marks

The damage done to the Macedonian economy by the actions of Albanian separatists is estimated at 1,232 million German marks, the Macedonian Chamber of Industry reported on Tuesday. According to the Chamber, Macedonian agriculture was the hardest hit by the destabilisation in the country and a long drought suffering losses to the tune of 357 million German marks. The country's trade and textile industry have also been seriously damaged. The country's tourism sector has experienced the worst period for all the years of the independent state's existence suffering losses worth 70 million German marks. Trade deficit between the country's export and import made some 600 million German marks. Thus, Macedonian exports to the USA fell by 96 percent over the eight months of the current year. In this connection the Chamber has suggested that the country's government take measures to stop economic recession, to support exports and to assist Macedonian farmers.