Skopje, 16 January 2025 (MIA) - Deputy Minister of Economy and Labor Marjan Risteski and the head of the State Market Inspectorate Vlatko Stojanoski met Thursday with representatives of producers, distributors and retailers who took part in the New Year’s consumer basket campaign which was in place from Dec. 15, 2024 to Jan. 15, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Labor, at the meeting Risteski thanked the producers, distributors and retailers who participated in the campaign and reduced the prices of food products and some beverages during the holidays.

“In the spirit of social responsibility and solidarity, it was noted that the expectations are for all participants in retail – food producers, distributors and market chains – to do the utmost to maintain the prices of products at the same level after the end of the campaign. The campaign was initiated and implemented by the business sector, and in the coming days analyses of the effects of the campaign are expected to be published,” the Ministry said.

Participants at the meeting concluded the importance of the campaign for the country’s economic stability and the prevention of further growth of the rate of inflation, which affects the living standard of all citizens.

“In these challenging times, producers and retailers play a key role in the protection of the economy. The readiness to avoid price hikes won’t only contribute to the protection of the purchasing power of the citizens but will also send clear a message about the commitment of producers and retailers to the joint future of our society, which will in turn directly contribute to greater trust between all stakeholders in society, especially consumers,” the Ministry of Economy and Labor said, adding that the State Market Inspectorate would continue to monitor prices on the ground.