Üstel: Breaking a 28-Year Silence

Üstel began his speech by expressing his honor to be at the meeting where the 2025-2029 Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, which will shape the future of the TRNC and rebuild the foundations of social development, would be shared.

"This plan is not just a technical document; it is a roadmap for our people's struggle to achieve the prosperity they deserve, a demonstration of our determination to address past deficiencies, and a concrete reflection of our will to build a stronger TRNC," said Üstel. He recalled that only three development plans have been prepared in the 51 years since 1974, with the last one covering the years 1993-1997. Üstel stated, "Today, by breaking this 28-year silence, we are opening the doors to a new era that will shape our future together. This is not just a development plan; it is a declaration of political will, a shared vision for the future."

Üstel noted that the Turkish Cypriot people have overcome many challenges throughout history with the support of Turkey, stating, "The support of the Republic of Turkey for the just cause of the TRNC in every period has given us confidence and strength with its contributions in many areas, from the economy to infrastructure, from education to health." He emphasized that the bond of brotherhood between the two countries is not only a political partnership but also a reflection of a historical and emotional connection.

Prime Minister Üstel said that one of the biggest challenges faced today is to strengthen existence and secure the future in a world where global competition is intensifying and rapid change is occurring. He expressed that the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, prepared with this goal in mind, demonstrates their determination to build a TRNC that rises on the foundation of a strong economy, a sustainable environment, and social solidarity. Üstel stated, "With the support of our motherland Turkey, we are fully confident that we will create a stronger TRNC in every field. The independence struggle that began in 1974 has been crowned thanks to Turkey's steadfast support." He added that they aim to strengthen the TRNC's position in the international arena and improve the welfare level of the people by working together with Turkey, emphasizing that this strong partnership is the greatest guarantee of future hopes.

Prime Minister Üstel described the plan as "strong, competitive, and sustainable," prepared with the vision of "a TRNC that grows steadily and strongly, has a competitive and high value-added production capacity, is based on livable spaces and a sustainable environment, and has developed international cooperation." Üstel stated, "This vision will strengthen our economy, make our voice heard louder on international platforms, and improve the quality of life of our people."

Üstel summarized the plan as follows:

"For stable and strong growth, we aim to grow our economy in a balanced and sustainable manner. We aim to increase the per capita national income to 19,115 USD by 2029 and effectively control the informal economy.

For competitive and high value-added production, we will make the TRNC an international brand in every sector, from tourism to higher education, from industry to agriculture. It is projected that our tourism revenues will double by 2029, and we aim to increase the number of students in higher education to 110,000 while primarily improving quality. We will take the necessary steps to increase local production and enhance efficiency in the economy through digital and green transformation.

For livable spaces and a sustainable environment, we will build disaster-resistant cities, protect the environment, and promote rural development. Increasing renewable energy sources and modernizing infrastructure are our top priorities under this axis. While doing these, it is among our goals to create the living spaces that our young people, who are the future of our country, deserve and to encourage rural development in the regions where they were born and raised.

For qualified people and a strong society, we will ensure equal opportunities in education, make health services accessible to everyone, and increase the participation of our youth and women in the workforce. We aim to reduce the unemployment rate and spread prosperity to all segments of society by 2029.

For national and international cooperation for development, our strong ties with the Republic of Turkey will be further strengthened, we will defend our just causes in the international arena, and we will carry our country to its rightful place on the global stage.

Concrete steps will be taken to achieve the goals. During the plan period, in energy; ensuring energy supply security is among our goals. In education; we will invest in the future of our youth by building new schools. In health; we will facilitate access to health for our people with new hospitals and health centers. In agriculture; we will increase productivity in agricultural production by expanding irrigation projects. We will bring the lifeblood from our motherland Turkey to the Mesarya region, where only dry farming has been done for years, and enable the people of the region to invest in irrigated agriculture. In transportation; we will develop trade and tourism with new ports, roads, and communication infrastructure.

All these projects are of vital importance for our people to achieve a better standard of living, for our economy to strengthen, and for the TRNC to exist more strongly in the future."

"THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN IS A DETERMINED STEP TO TAKE THE TRNC TO ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE"

"This plan is not only a development goal but also a reflection of our responsibility to our people. We can only repay our debt to these lands and these people by building a stronger, more solid future," said Üstel, evaluating the Development Plan as "a determined step to increase the welfare of the people and take the TRNC to its rightful place in the international arena."

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a confident and strong state, and that every individual of this state is the true owner of these lands.

At the end of his speech, Üstel thanked the State Planning Organization, experts, academics, and all institutions that contributed to the preparation of the plan; he stated that the plan is not only the roadmap of today but also of the future Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.