Fourth Five-Year Development Plan for the TRNC Unveiled

The Fourth Five-Year Development Plan for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been officially presented. The plan was adopted by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and TRNC President Ersin Tatar.

The details of the plan were shared by Pembe Arifoğlu, the head of the Economic Planning Department at the State Planning Organization (DPÖ).

According to Arifoğlu, the new five-year development plan is based on five core pillars:

• Stable and strong economic growth
• Increased competitiveness in high-value-added production
• Housing development
• Sustainability and environmental protection
• Building a skilled, healthy population and a strong society
• Expanding national and international cooperation

The plan also aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of tourism and higher education, as well as introduce digital transformation and green manufacturing processes in the industrial and agricultural sectors. There are also specific targets for improving energy efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, and developing ports and transportation networks.

To achieve these objectives, several key strategies have been outlined:

• Promoting the "Northern Cyprus" tourism brand
• Raising international standards in higher education
• Diversifying products and expanding markets in tourism and agriculture
• Advancing digital and green transformation
• Ensuring food safety
• Modernizing agricultural practices and supporting certified production

The plan's priorities for the next five years include:

• Construction and real estate
• Energy
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Research and Development (R&D)
• Technology Development Zones (tech parks)

Additional priorities include developing sustainable, disaster-resistant cities, improving access to essential infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life in both urban and rural areas.

In his speech during the presentation, President Ersin Tatar called this “a very important day for Northern Cyprus,” adding that the figures presented in the development plan would “strengthen the country and contribute significantly to the TRNC's struggle for independence.”

He also acknowledged the significant challenges faced, including high living costs, the currency crisis, the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and earthquakes. Despite these difficulties, he emphasized that the TRNC continues to progress, largely thanks to the ongoing support of Turkey, even in the absence of international recognition.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has supported us in every way and spared no effort in assisting with the development of the TRNC,” said Ersin Tatar.