Skopje, 5 September 2024 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday the implementation of the law banning unfair trade practices could be delayed by a few weeks if there are objective obstacles and reasons to do so.

The PM said it is important that the law is implemented properly.

“If there are objective obstacles or reasons for a delay by a few weeks it isn’t an issue, we will delay it by a few weeks just to ensure it is implemented the way it should be. This is a law adopted by the previous Government. If it objectively cannot be implemented, we won’t do it by force,” Mickoski said when quizzed about a letter that, according to media reports, was sent to Mickoski by the head of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia Branko Azeski stating that the period for adjustment to the new law is too short.

Mickoski said the Government maintains excellent communications with the economic chambers, adding that he would meet with them in the coming period to discuss financial assistance for businesses and further foster partner relations.

The law banning unfair trade practices was adopted on March 13, 2024. The six-month adjustment period ahead of the law’s implementation is nearing its end.

The law provides rules and measures aimed at preventing unfair trade practices; it determines unfair trade practices in the agricultural and food products supply chain which abuse the significant bargaining power of the buyer in relation to the suppliers; it outlines the procedures for the identification of unfair trade practices, as well as cooperation between the relevant state bodies charged with monitoring the use of unfair trade practices.