(ANSA) - TRIESTE - The Macedonian Parliament gave a green light to a package of constitutional changes which, among other things, allows for the opening of free tax zones. The government lead by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski plans to propose a law for introducing a tax haven in Macedonia this autumn, soon after the adoption of constitutional changes, Balkan Insight reported.

The idea of opening a free tax zone in Macedonia was met with mixed reactions. Greeted by some as a drastic step towards attracting foreign investors, Gruevski's plans are seen by others as potentially damaging for the country's reputation and EU adhesion process, due to fears that it might turn Macedonia into a popular destination for illegal capital. "We aim to open an international financial zone on an area of 10 to 20 hectares where we will copy the financial laws from countries such as the United States, Britain or Germany, which will additionally boost its credibility", Gruevski said in response to the sceptics. "Companies that decide to move their HQs here will be offered additional tax and other benefits," he added.

The former police minister, Pavle Trojanov, currently an MP in the ruling coalition lead by Gruevski, is amongst those who are afraid that free tax zone would bring more trouble than benefits to the former Yugoslav republic. "Crime money pours into these kinds of zones", he warned. (ANSA).