Bojan Petrovski, Macedonia

 

Head of International Office, Tokyo
Agency for Foreign Investment of Macedonia
Public Policy Program (’09)

 

 

 

 

 

Bojan has been heading the Tokyo International Office of the Agency for Foreign Investment of Macedonia since October 2009. Over the past two years he met with more than 100 Japanese companies’ executives to promote Macedonia as an investment destination. He successfully negotiated a deal with the big tour operators and Macedonia is now offered as a destination to Japanese tourists. Also thanks to Bojan’s efforts some fine Macedonian wines are now available in Japan.

 

In addition to all this, Bojan is preparing the ground to establish Macedonia’s first embassy in Tokyo. He recently talked about this mission to the Japan Times and the article can be read here.

 

Prior to coming to Japan, Bojan worked as a consultant in the European Commissions’s Human Resource Development Fund operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, where he developed and managed the promotion and visibility strategy of the institution, and managed the marketing of the Institution’s learning programs. Previously, Bojan Petrovski was engaged in the World Bank’s Social Protection Implementation Project executed within the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

 

What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

It would be quite difficult to define my area of specialization. With a bachelor degree in economics and a master in public policy earned at GRIPS, on a first glance one could say economic policy making should be the answer. However, my work experience is rather diverse in that I have had a chance to be involved with both public and private organizations, as well as international and non-governmental ones. The post I currently hold envisages promoting the advantages of the Macedonian business environment to Japanese businesses and strengthening Macedonian-Japanese economic relations in general. One can argue that my current position is a logical sequence in my career development given my academic and professional background.

 

You are heading Macedonia’s Agency for Foreign Investment in Tokyo. Have you been able to raise interest among potential Japanese investors? What industries are you hoping to attract?

The Macedonian Investment Office in Tokyo was established in August 2010. Ever since then I have been trying raise awareness about Macedonia among Japanese businesses from several industries, namely export oriented manufacturing industries, trading companies and tour operators. The experience shows that tour operators and midsized travel agents are by far most interested in Macedonia as compared to other industries. We were happy to welcome several of them in Macedonia at the beginning of 2011, after which they have introduced new tourist products on Macedonia. Several large trading companies are interested in importing Macedonian wine and organic food. Some initial success has already been achieved and Macedonian wine is already present on the Japanese market, albeit in very small quantities. Our mid to long term goal here is to increase the quantities and obviously improve the visibility of Macedonian wine on the Japanese market. Lastly, the lion’s share of my time is allocated to attracting Japanese investment to Macedonia, mainly from the automotive parts and electronic components industries, as well as from machinery industry. Those that are familiar with the Japanese corporate culture may say that this is the most difficult job in the world. We in InvestMacedonia believe that anything is possible, and after one and a half years of hard work I am happy to say that one Japanese company has announced its decision to invest in Macedonia. This will be the first Japanese investment in Macedonia since our independence (in 1991). Logical Consulting from Sapporo, Hokkaido, will produce electronic and machinery parts in Macedonia. They will establish a company in January 2012 and commence production in June 2012. Several other companies are in the pipeline.

 

What do you see as the main opportunities (and challenges) for the Macedonia – Japan relations over the course of the next five to ten years?

In my view, the most important aspects of Japanese-Macedonian relations are the economic and cultural ties. We are preparing several projects that I personally believe will make Macedonia a hub for Japanese businesses in Europe. These include not only economic benefits, but rather schemes that enable cultural exchanges between the two countries. As for the threats, I would say the biggest constraint to further develop the relationship would be the potential widening of the European crisis and thus generating incentives for Japanese businesses and people to turn elsewhere. In respect of the political relations, Macedonia and Japan have always had a sound relationship within the UN structures and we expect these to be maintained in future

 

What have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the ability to witness and shape the development of relations between two countries, particularly as these are two countries towards which I feel emotionally attached. As far as the interesting parts are concerned, having the opportunity to shake hands and meet face to face with figures like His Imperial Highness Akihito, and H.E. Noda, Prime Minister of Japan are absolutely breathtaking events that I will hardly ever forget.

 

What led you to GRIPS? What was the most important thing you learned while here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?

My intention before I came to GRIPS was to do a master degree abroad, preferably in a country I had not had experience in living before. I must say GRIPS was my preferred institution in Japan, given its perfect visibility online and clearly explained procedures and practices. I cannot put a finger as to what is the most important thing learned at GRIPS. Enhancing my knowledge, particularly in political science subjects and learning the basics of how Japan works come to mind. In my case I think it is very obvious how GRIPS prepared me for future challenges. GRIPS was the very reason I made a further step in my career and got selected to represent Macedonia in Japan.

 

What is your fondest memory of your time spent at GRIPS?

Definitely the friends I met at GRIPS and the time we spent in TIEC and elsewhere in Tokyo.

 

What do you miss about Macedonia and what do you like most about living in Tokyo?

I miss my family the most and my Macedonian friends as well. I rather miss Macedonian food even though Japanese food has made me a slimmer and healthier person. Life in Tokyo is exceptional. There are so many things I like here. For one, life in Japan is stress-less compared to Macedonia and the rest of Europe. Everything is so neat and organized. On top of that, Tokyo is sort of like a global village. There is absolutely everything one can possibly imagine.

 

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

Sports are my favourite past time. Tokyo provides excellent conditions for practicing sports, be they team sports, swimming, jogging or you name it. Occasionally I enjoy Tokyo night life as well.

 

 

 

 

How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life?

Nowadays reaching and maintaining that balance is one of the thorniest issues for young people. There are times when this is practically impossible. Time management holds the key I believe. I have a few simple rules that make me maintain the balance as much as possible. Rules such as exercise at least a four times a week and spend at least two evenings with friends per week.

 

What advice would you give to current GRIPS students?

The advice I would like to give to GRIPS students, something that I have personally experienced and that will be my guiding notion for a long time to come, is that hard work does pay. The effort and hard work one puts in will bring its returns one way or another.