Skopje, 29 August 2023 (MIA) - There may be no measures for inflation for the time being, or some might be implemented very soon, said Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi at Tuesday's working meeting with Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia (ECNWM) representatives.

In response to reporters' questions, Bekteshi said that inflation measures will depend on the analyses received on a daily basis, both from the State Market Inspectorate and the Department of Trade at the Ministry of Economy.

According to him, in terms of trade, apart from freezing prices, other mechanisms can also be implemented such as selectively determining sales margins for certain products, if there are any problems in a certain industry, however, this can be determined by an appropriate analysis involving all institutions.

Bekteshi added that if necessary, temporary measures can be implemented, but when there are unfounded and uncontrolled price increases, he is in favor of rigorous measures such as a ban on work.

Companies, on the other hand, are against price freezes. They recommend the state to introduce other measures, such as reducing taxes.

In this context, both businesses and Minister Bekteshi criticized the Commission for Protection of Competition during the press conference at the ECNWM. As Bekteshi pointed out, since the beginning of the Covid-crisis, the Commission has not come out with a single complaint, or taken any specific measures for unethical behavior, unfair trade practices or the alliances formed between certain companies and concentration of power of a certain company.

According to ECNWM president, Mendi Qyra, the economy will always support the free market.

"We are in favor of a free market. We do not agree with any government measures except for the Commission for Protection of Competition to control the price increase. The free market defines prices. We want measures to be implemented, but not to initiate or freeze prices. The are other methods the government should implement, such as reducing VAT, taxes, state reserves.." Qyra stressed.

Interlocutors also discussed the law on solidarity tax, as well as amendments to the law on industrial zones. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA