Skopje, 15 March 2024 (MIA) - The list of products arising from the Law on Unfair Commercial Practices is already prepared, includes over 2,500 agriculture and food products, and it has been forwarded to the business chambers. I expect feedback in the coming week so that we adopt the list, resulting in all stakeholders aligning their agreements and thus contributing to lower prices on the domestic market, said Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi on Friday.

Minister Bekteshi told reporters that if prices rise during the six-month transitional period, the Ministry of Economy would put forward certain measures in order to mitigate them.

"I have faith in the corporate-social responsibility of traders, especially of large supermarket chains, because the expenses that affected prices are not there anymore. Nevertheless, if abuse is detected, the Ministry of Economy will adopt measures benefiting citizens, such as price freeze, requirements for certain traders, up to closure of certain supermarket chains in line with the Law on Trade," said Bekteshi.

He expects that upon receiving feedback from all stakeholders, the final list of products will include about 2,300 products.

Regarding the prevention of possible abuse by supermarkets during the vacuum period until the Law on Unfair Commercial Practices enters into force, the Minister urged food producers to "not be fooled" by some dominant supermarket chains' asking for a higher rebate of 15-20 percent and three-month agreements.

"I cannot go to every producer and say 'accept this agreement' or 'don't accept these conditions', since this amounts to meddling in their policy and relations with partners. If this is the case, then the state should nationalize all production capacities and ministers can decide on their behalf. These are private entities that create their own policies. My appeal is they do not fall for this, considering the six-month transitional period," said Bekteshi.

In case consumers are abused, he added, we are here to protect them.

Photo: MIA