Ekonomija & Business magazine (E&B): Mr. Georgievski, the implementation of the business strategy for diversification and Zag Imperial’s investments convened with the Green & Growth Programme developed by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Clean Technology Fund (CTF) under the CIF. The programme aims to support green and capex investments of the local SMEs and corporates in the Pelagonia and the Southwest regions in North Macedonia related to the country’s decarbonization commitment. The green investments, or ‘the Green window’, include renewable energy and energy efficiency, and capex investments, or ‘the Growth window’ include investments in new businesses or expansion of existing businesses to support regional business growth. Could you please explain in greater detail your recent investment project, its compounding elements related to this taxonomy?
ZAG Imperial: Our latest investment focuses on expanding our business with modern production capacity in natural stone processing, by introduction of state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. Specifically, the project involves procurement and commissioning of three machines for processing and shaping of marble and natural stone, which formed, thus, a complete production unit. The investment amounts to over EUR 230,000 and the credit loan through the Green & Growth Partnering financial institution, NLB Bank, amounts for EUR 190,000.00.
With the investment we were paying special attention to energy efficiency and reduction of the environmental impact of our company’s operation. The EBRD and CTF Green & Growth Programme enabled a targeted achievement of these objectives. The results of our investment action measure electrical energy savings the level of 12,11 MWh per year, and GHG emissions avoided 16,26 tCO2 per year. This is a green component, or more precisely – in the framework of EBRD Green Economy Transition component of our capex, growth investment project.
Additionally, the Green & Growth programme investment was combined with technical support and a 15% grant, funded by Clean Technology Fund under the CIF after the successful verification. We find this support greatly beneficial, boosting business growth and competitiveness of our company, expanding its market share for domestic clients and exports.
E&B: ZAG Imperial is a fast-growing company in its relatively short history of operation. Still, it benefits and draws from the business heritage from its parent company, Mermer Imperial. Could you please introduce us shortly to the business ecosystem of the Zag Imperial?
ZAG Imperial: ZAG Imperial is a company with relatively short, half of decade history of operation, having a background of extensive business experience and business heritage of the company Mermer Imperial. This family company, owned by two brothers from Prilep, has been operating in processing white marble from mines since 2010. It is an experience enabling us to build a stable foundation upon which we continued to develop ZAG Imperial today.
We participate in and observe the business ecosystem as an interconnected network of people, production, suppliers, clients, partners and the local community. Of particular importance are modern technology, the quality of human capital and continuous investments in both – advancing technology and upskilling and reskilling of staff, creating a future-proof workforce. In this context, support facilitated from the EBRD and CTF credit line is invaluable.
At the same time, we strive for a long-term partnership with the local community and aim to be its strong component and to create conditions for its development and wellbeing. We believe that a successful company should not operate in isolation but rather be an active part of the broader business environment.
E&B: Regarding the Green & Growth Project investment — the core objective of which is the decarbonization and just energy transition of the Pelagonia and Southwest regions — what are your projections for the investment within the framework of the programme? What is your vision for ZAG Imperial within the business landscape of the Pelagonia Region?
ZAG Imperial: We see significant potential for economic development in the Pelagonia Region, particularly through more efficient use of natural resources, the introduction of clean technologies, and green economy development. The proof is the full commitment of our families to the business; my four sons are assigned to the specific business areas – project management, sales, production, finance and people.
Our vision is ZAG Imperial to grow into a modern, technologically advanced and environmentally responsible company, recognized by the quality of its products and services. Through investments in green technology, we aim to contribute to decarbonization and to the path toward a more sustainable economy of the region. Support of Green & Growth in this regard is indispensable.
Today, e.g. when you are visiting us, we work on finalization of order from UK, Birmingham. In the long term, our vision is to expand competitiveness and establish new international partnerships. We believe that a blend of investment, hard work, green innovation, experience, and environmental responsibility is the proper direction toward sustainable growth.
E&B: Thank you for this conversation. We wish you continued and sustained growth and future successful investment projects.
Economy and Business, September 15, 2026
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