Outsourcing has become a new trend in the global market today. With the increase in popularity of cost-effective outsourcing destinations in the world, most companies in Western Europe have decided to explore regions with untapped resources. Studies have shown that a majority of top global outsourcing industries are found in Eastern and Central Europe. In recent times, the Republic of Macedonia has emerged as one of the most promising centers for organizations to outsource their goods and services. Recent reports have ranked Macedonia as the fourth destination country for outsourcing in Europe and tenth in the world. As of today, Macedonia has gradually risen in the outsourcing industry.
This emerging trend in business in the country of Macedonia has been attributed to the following reasons that I am going to discuss vividly. By the end of this article, you will definitely understand the important benefits of outsourcing to Macedonia.
1. Cost-effective center
The emerging trend of outsourcing has proven to offer a cost-effective solution to organizations that are looking to evade huge investments that an in-house department may experience. By making an effort and secure an outsourcing center to Macedonia, a majority of Western European business industries gain the chance to lower the costs of contracting a call region partner as a result of the cost-effective nature of this center. Recent reports have shown that most companies from Western Europe who outsource to Macedonia are able to cut their expenses up to 50%.
2. Language skills and multilingualism nature of Macedonia
Macedonia is globally known for its ethnically mixed national populations. They also have diverse languages that the locals speak and the ones that are being spoken within its borders. Besides knowing their national language, a typical student who has studied in Macedonia is needed to learn a minimum of two foreign languages. The first foreign language to study is usually English. German and French languages are also popular choices and are considered as second foreign languages. They are not compulsory to be studied but typical students of Macedonia are always advised to learn them. Therefore, foreign companies who intend to outsource to Macedonia will definitely get agents who possess great and competent language skills. They are qualified and better to overcome the barrier of language when communicating with clients.
3. Appropriate for small-sized and middle-companies
The majority of outsourcing companies in Macedonia employ a manageable (small number) of employees. Consequently, they take a small number of clients. The good thing is that they provide them with their maximum attention. This kind of technique is appropriate for middle and small-sized outsourcing companies that originate from Western Europe. They can be assured that their demands and needs are taken care of without worrying that maybe they won’t get adequate attention.
4. Educated, competitive, qualified and skillful taskforce
Macedonia has experienced an exponential rise in highly learned and educated task force. An outstanding area in this country is the center of Information Technology Services(IT Experts). Reports and studies have predicted that the already existing technically learned personnel in Macedonia will eventually lead to the rise in IT outsourcing in the worldwide outsourcing market.
Transformation in the education system in the country of Macedonia has led to a more skillful and educated workforce that is able to sustain this demand. For instance, a recent parliamentary bill in Macedonia established that Secondary School Education is compulsory. This has consequently led to an increase in enrollment in higher(tertiary) education. As a result of this, there has been an increase in a rich talent pool of a competitive and qualified workforce. It has led to the motivation of personnel to specialize in their area of specialization to further hone their skills.
5. Geographical location and cultural similarities with countries from Western Europe
The main reason for the development of Macedonia as a new leading center in the outsourcing industry depends on its geographical location. It is overlapping if not in similar time zones as Western European nations such as Germany and other European Union nations. As a result, outsourcing to Macedonia maximizes time efficacy. It also reduces expenses for late-night shifts that are always seen in other outsourcing regions (mainly India and other overseas destinations). Companies from the US, such as Tactica SEO agency from New Jersey, have outsourced to neighbor countries such as Kosovo, and now are looking to also gain the advantages of outsourcing to Macedonia.
A good thing is that the majority of outsourcing agents in Macedonia have studied a variety of Western European languages. Consequently, most of them have worked and visited these nations where their appropriate language is spoken. They do this to improve their proficiency in these foreign languages. In turn, a majority of agents from Macedonia understand the business communication and the culture of the aforementioned countries they have at one time or more working in.
6. Macedonia government will enhance the software development industry
The government of Macedonia has initiated certain programs to boost the IT sector in the last couple of years. Scholarships have been provided by the government for top IT undergraduate students to further hone their skills. It has also introduced the Computer for Each Student program that ensures that computers are made available to every elementary school. As if that is not enough, it has also provided free training for mobile application development and desktop as well as offering basic IT training modules for unemployed youths.
Not to mention, the Macedonia Government has created the FDI Program to enhance the software development industry. This involves a flat corporate plus personal income tax rate that amounts to 10% for foreign business enterprises. The government also allows foreigners to either purchase or lease property(including land). Furthermore, the government of Macedonia can completely exempt foreign investors from paying income tax for ten years. This only happens when they invest in industry development zones and IT.
7. Easy accessibility
Location plays a significant role in outsourcing. Business enterprise always does well in areas that are very accessible. Macedonia is not exceptional, it contains two International Airports which provide direct flights to European capitals. In addition, it has a well-developed infrastructure that enhances road transport. Agents and clients can easily communicate on matters of business.
In conclusion, it is important to appreciate the fact that trends in the global market are quickly emerging, outsourcing is one of the dynamics. Macedonia has proved to be a cost-effective, convenient, safe, and efficient destination to outsource globally.