From the interview with Top Tema at Telma TV
Skopje, 7 May 2020
Preliminary data show that the National Bank's appeal for non-cash payment and use of payment cards and electronic and mobile banking services has been well received by citizens. The use of electronic banking by individuals has been significantly increasing, which in this period also contributes to health protection. The number of e-banking payments in March increased by about 30% on an annual basis, which is much higher compared to previous trends.
This was stated by the National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, in yesterday's edition of the show "Top Tema" on Telma TV. She pointed out that according to the preliminary payment statistics data, whose processing is underway, the use of both computers and mobile phones to make payments has increased. In March, the annual growth of online payments was about 26.4%, while last year compared to 2018, this growth was 5.4%. At the same time, as said by the Governor, the number of mobile payments has increased by about 45.5% on an annual basis. On the other hand, there was an annual decrease of about 7% of paper-based payments. Health protection activities undertaken by the banks after the outbreak of the corona crisis have also contributed to such trends.
"The preliminary data show pronounced increase in the use of payment cards for online shopping, with the number of transactions doubling in March compared to the same month last year, and positive trends in the use of cards on POS.”, said Angelovska Bezhoska.
In the show, special attention was paid on the latest macroeconomic forecasts of the National Bank, among other things, noting that the fastest decline in economic activity due to the corona crisis is expected in the second quarter of this year, followed by a gradual recovery. Next year, the Macedonian economy would grow by 4.7%. As indicated by the Governor, such expectations are based on the assumption that the shock of Covid-19 will be short-lived.
The deposit base and the foreign exchange market were also discussed, with the Governor emphasizing that this time the pressures have been significantly lower compared to previous crisis episodes.
"March data show that there is no decline in deposits. I am glad that in April, the situation stabilized - the deposit base has been stable and this situation has extended over the beginning of this month", said Angelovska Bezhoska. As of mid-April, as she pointed out, the foreign exchange market has significantly stabilized.
The show also addressed the National Bank’s measures after the outbreak of the corona crisis. The Governor pointed out that the situation has been constantly monitored and the National Bank is ready to take additional measures within its competence.
The video is available here