The Government is not contemplating changes to the Law on Smoking Protection, despite the announced protests of cafe and restaurant owners by closing their facilities on January 22, said Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski at Thursday's press conference.

Pesevski stressed Macedonia was not the first nor the last country to decide on full implementation of the smoking ban in public places, adding that economic analyses have shown there would be positive effects from its introduction.

"Long-term economic effects from such measures are always positive, although profit of the hospitality sector could reduce on the short run", he added.

Asked if the Government planned any changes to the strategy for attraction of foreign investments, the Vice Premier said changes were only made in the approach to attracting investments.

"There are no changes in the strategy, but in the approach. Such changes have been continually made and we will resume with this practice in the future", underlined Pesevski.