KTTO President Turgay Deniz: “The reason for the high cost of living is the policies being implemented.”

Turgay Deniz, President of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), participated in the “Kaptan’s Diary” program presented by Ahmet Kaptan on Kanal T, where she made assessments regarding the cost of living, prices of basic consumer goods, shopping shifting to South Cyprus, the meat market, and energy costs.

Deniz emphasized that the fight against the high cost of living should be done by reducing the costs and financial burdens that drive prices up.

Deniz emphasized that the fight against the high cost of living should be done by reducing the costs and financial burdens that drive prices up.

“The government should take responsibility, and we, as the business community, should ensure that the reduction in the tax burden is directly reflected in retail prices and that citizens feel the impact.”

“WE MUST PREVENT SHOPPING FROM SHIFTING TO THE SOUTH.”

Deniz pointed out that the shift of shopping to South Cyprus is a growing economic problem, and said that the North’s competitiveness in basic consumer goods needs to be increased.

Deniz stated that meat, in particular, has become one of the key products driving consumers to the South, adding, “When people go to the South to buy meat, they also start meeting their other needs there. We need to be more competitive and more attractive. We must ensure that the economy remains in the North.”

“THE MEAT ISSUE IS ALSO A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE.”

Et konusunun yalnızca fiyat ve kayıt dışılık boyutuyla ele alınmaması gerektiğini vurgulayan Deniz, kayıt dışılığın toplum sağlığı açısından da ciddi risk oluşturduğunu belirtti.

She stated that local producers should be directly supported to reduce production costs and ensure that consumers have access to reliable, inspected meat at affordable prices.

“SOCIAL INSURANCE PREMIUM SUPPORT SHOULD BE APPLIED WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ANY SECTOR.”

Highlighting the importance of the private sector being able to protect employment in the face of rising costs, Deniz emphasized that social insurance premium support should be implemented in a way that covers all workplaces employing TRNC citizens, regardless of the sector.

Deniz stated that the premium support is more than just an incentive for businesses; it is important for protecting local employment, strengthening the formal economy, and supporting the competitiveness of businesses.

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION IS ESSENTIAL IN ENERGY.

Deniz stated that the 22% increase in electricity prices will further increase production and service costs, and added that energy policy should consider not only prices but also the efficiency of the system.

Deniz emphasized that the more effective use of renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, and investment in electricity infrastructure are now a necessity for the competitiveness of the economy.