TUTDER evaluated the potato issue

In a statement made to the press today on behalf of the Northern Cyprus Fast Moving Consumer Goods Suppliers Association (TUTDER) Board of Directors, it was stated that with the help of natural conditions, our unique potato was turned into a product of smuggling as a result of political programlessness and populist policies.

Emphasizing that the country should achieve political stability as soon as possible and the necessary economic measures should be taken as soon as possible within the framework of cooperation with the sectors, TUTDER's statement is as follows:

“The news in the press about potato smuggling is an indicator of the dire situation in our country's agriculture and economy in general.

In the case of potatoes, the situation is heartbreaking.

Due to the conditions bestowed by nature, our unique potato has turned into a product of smuggling, political programlessness and populist policies.

The low-income consumer only looks at the potato from afar due to the high cost; while the manufacturer complains about not being able to get paid for his product; While the factory that turns the potato into an industrial product is constantly making losses; While the import of French fries into the country has almost stopped due to unbelievable quotas and sanctions; This unique product bestowed upon us by nature has become the subject of smuggling instead of providing added value to the country's economy due to the state's policies that do not take into account the conditions of fair competition, economic reason, and producer and consumer needs.

Our current economic situation as a whole is not sustainable. Despite repeated warnings, the problems are growing exponentially. Because the political mechanisms that will take economic decisions are not working. Our economy is in the state of "I attacked the meadow, my mawla's care". Our country should achieve political stability as soon as possible and the economic measures to be taken should be evaluated in cooperation with the sectors. The end of the road is not bright.

We are responsible together.”