Skopje, 16.01.2025
Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor, Marjan Risteski, and the Director of the State Market Inspectorate, Vlatko Stojanoski, held a meeting with some of the representatives of manufacturers, distributors and traders who participated in the New Year's Basket campaign, which was implemented from December 15, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
Deputy Minister Risteski expressed gratitude to all producers, distributors and traders who joined and participated in this action and reduced the prices of food products and some beverages during the New Year and Christmas holidays.
The list of products, as published on the My Basket website created by the Ministry of Economy and Labor for this campaign, includes 1,178 products from 96 manufacturers and distributors, 51 markets participated, and the campaign was implemented in 762 points of sale.
In the spirit of social responsibility and solidarity, the Ministry of Economy and Labor noted that it is expected that all participants in retail - food producers, distributors and supermarket chains - will make maximum efforts and keep product prices at the same level after the end of the campaign.
The action has been initiated and implemented for the first time by the business sector and analyses of the effects of such an action are expected in the coming weeks.
The Ministry of Economy emphasized that all participants should refrain from increasing the prices of food products that were part of this action and are ready to communicate in that direction in the spirit of cooperation.
An appeal and warning was sent to all stakeholders in the food chain in the coming period to prevent an increase in the prices of essential food products, after the end of the New Year's basket, so that measures are not taken by the Ministry of Economy and Labor, that is, it was stated that the Ministry will use all mechanisms at its disposal to protect the standard of living of citizens.
It was concluded that this action is of exceptional importance for preserving economic stability in our country and for preventing further growth in inflation, which affects the living standards of all citizens.
In these challenging times, it is producers and traders, as the bearers of market supply, who play a key role in protecting the economy.
The willingness to refrain from raising prices will not only contribute to protecting the purchasing power of citizens, but will also send a clear message about your commitment to the common future of our society, which in turn will lead to a direct impact on strengthening trust among all stakeholders in society, especially towards consumers.
The State Market Inspectorate remains on the ground to monitor the price situation.