Chamber of Industry Calls on Turgay Deniz to Apologize

In a written statement, KTSO criticized Deniz for his "unfortunate and misleading" comments aimed at discrediting the production sector, particularly targeting olive oil producers. The Chamber stated that such rhetoric jeopardizes the country's economic interests and the well-being of consumers.

The statement read: "We strongly condemn the KTTO President's description of the production sector in general and olive oil producers specifically as a 'parasitic sector.' By criticizing the protective duties imposed to safeguard local producers, Deniz accuses these measures of fostering complacency among industrialists, which is an unfounded claim aimed at discrediting them."

KTSO expressed disapproval of Deniz's comparison of local producers to large international corporations, adding that his suggestion to allow imported products to compete on equal terms demonstrates a lack of understanding. The Chamber highlighted that protective measures for local production are standard practice worldwide, including in Turkey and EU countries, often at stricter levels than those in place in the TRNC.

KTSO also addressed the growth of the olive oil sector, pointing out that the ban on olive oil imports has contributed to increased production capacity, the establishment of new cold-press facilities, and higher export levels. The statement noted that some producers have even achieved EU compliance under the Green Line Regulation.

Labeling efforts to undermine the olive oil sector as "antagonistic towards production," the statement criticized claims that all producers are involved in fraudulent practices or that poor harvests due to climate conditions are the fault of producers. It also reiterated the Chamber's stance against adulteration and its support for penalizing offenders.

The statement concluded: "Local production plays a crucial role in the country’s development, providing consumers with affordable, high-quality products. The efforts of olive oil producers and others in the production sector deserve the utmost respect. We remind everyone once again that local production has always served as a price stabilizer for consumers and will continue to do so."