Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has issued a positive prognosis for Macedonia's credit rating, giving the country a BB+ with stable outlook, confirming "Standard&Poors" expectations for sustainability of Macedonia's current credit capability, reads Finance Ministry press release.

According to the agency, the ratings are primarily supported by the country's continued efforts for various reforms with the aim of attaining EU accession, its economic and fiscal stability underpinned by the government's prudent policies and a moderate government debt despite a short-term fiscal deterioration. The prospects of the country's EU membership became brighter as the European Commission recommended opening of accession negotiations.

"Unlike many Central and Eastern European countries, the Macedonian economy had a rather moderate impact from the global economic and financial turmoil, due mainly to its lower dependence on external debt", says JCR.

The stable credit rating is a good signal for foreign investors, has an effect on the interest lending rate at the credit market, as well as the general economic and political image of the Republic of Macedonia, reads the press release.