Gevgelija, with its location, occupies a leading position in the economic development of the region and precisely because of this, it plays a significant role in the business climate and future projects of the country.
This privilege of the city is best evidenced by one of its main monuments, the “Old Locomotive” , which embodies the spirit of modernization and modernisation that still represents the leading force of Gevgelija. It is a geographical and historical symbol that speaks of the special place of this “station city” as part of the famous lines: Athens-London at the beginning and Thessaloniki-Skopje-Belgrade later. It is a witness to the almost 150-year transformation of the city, which has gone through several periods:
– when during the last years of the Ottoman Empire, Gevgelija was known among European traders for the cultivation of silkworms, which also represented the primary livelihood of the population;
– when during the time of the two Yugoslavias (Royal and SFRY), agro-industry, transport and trade were the main carriers of economic activity;
– since the independence of the country until today, in addition to the aforementioned branches of the economy, Gevgelija has become increasingly known for its “resort city” characteristics, earning it the epithet “Macedonian Las Vegas”.
Today, the “Old Locomotive” represents the direction that leads to a European future and towards which the most open and hospitable city in the country is moving.
The exclusivity of Gevgelija that makes it so attractive to domestic and foreign investors consists of a set of factors of a geographical, economic and cultural nature, to which is added the constant investment in the modernization of the infrastructure in order to meet the required standards.
With its location and Mediterranean climate, it is an ideal place for the development of any type of activity in any field.
The climatic characteristics together with the soil are suitable for the development of organic agro-alimentary production. The Gevgelija Valley occupies the southernmost part of the country along the Vardar River and is crossed by four smaller rivers. With its 240 sunny days throughout the year, it represents fertile and rich soil for the cultivation of various garden species and fruit trees, vineyards and fodder crops. The warm mineral waters at Negorci, Prdejci and Smokvica are an excellent prerequisite for maintaining the temperature and creating an ideal environment in greenhouses during the winter season, as well as for the development of thermal tourism, for which there is an increasing interest. This is especially contributed by the proximity to Dojran Lake, only 30 km away, whose iodine-rich waters are recommended for the treatment of sinus problems, bronchitis, colds and the healing of wounds and burns. The structure of the microrelief, which transitions from plains to hills and mountains, rich in forests and pastures, provides conditions for the development of poultry and livestock farming.
West of the city, the mountain ranges of Kozuf and Pajak Mountain begin, where the combination of Mediterranean and continental influences creates a special local climate. It is suitable for various species of game, some of which are protected species such as wild boar , roe deer and bear , and others without protection such as marten, wolf, fox, goshawk and small game such as wild hare, turtledove, several species of pigeons, etc. The flora of Kozuf is rich in medicinal herbs, while the endemic species of evergreen tree “Naked Man” stands out from the forest vegetation, whose reddish bark is as soft as human skin, after which it actually got its name. Here, at an altitude of 2000 meters, is one of the most elite ski centers, the construction of which began in 2001, which has a six-seater cable car and 16 km of ski slopes. At 712 meters above sea level, there is the tourist site “Smrdliva Voda” known for its mineral springs, healing for stomach ailments and diseases of the stomach and kidneys. Konska Reka, which springs at 1520 meters above sea level and was famous in the past for its gold panning, only complements the spectrum of attractive recreational opportunities and the development of several types of tourism in these areas.
The distance of only 3 km. from the main border crossing with Greece “Bogorodica-Evzoni” and only 80 km. from the Port of Thessaloniki, as well as the renovated E-75/Corridor 10 highway, have contributed to creating conditions for the city to become a top investment location in the last two decades.
The construction and renovation of several casinos and 5-star hotels such as “Princess” and “Flamingo” located right next to the border crossing and “Apolonija” located in the city center, which is also the first of such proportions, speak of the increased demand for entertainment and recreational life. They also contribute to the support and organization of various cultural and artistic meetings and events of a local and national character. The various restaurants and coffee bars that offer local specialties and menus according to world standards are the reason why Gevgelija has become a mandatory “stop & go” stop for tourists passing through, especially on weekends. The increased attendance has also led to an increased offer of care treatments and health services according to the most modern standards, of which we especially highlight dental ones.
The interest of Gevgelija as a city in continuous growth, does not stop only at the development aspects of the tourist-recreational and agro-industrial areas, but also continues in the field of technological achievements. Thus, in anticipation of European integration and standards, the first serious steps in the country in the field of renewable energies were made near the city with the construction of the wind park “Bogdanci”.
The key and fundamental driving factor, however, remains the citizens themselves, who, with their openness to cooperation and hospitality towards newcomers, fulfill the mysterious meaning of the toponym “Gevgelija”, which according to legends means “come back” to “a place full of shadows”.
