There have been reports that Greek Cypriot businessmen are looking for ways to transfer raw materials to the TRNC and start production there. However, retail trade between the two side requires a change of mindset by the Greek Cypriots.
Turkish Cypriot daily ‘Havadis’ reports that Izzet Adiloğlu, expert at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KKTO) referring to the Green Line Trade Regulation and to the embargoes on North Cyprus stated:
“No obstacle can be put against a product that is produced to EU standards and has a reasonable price. What matters is the quality, standards and competitive pricing. Products that are produced within this framework are able to pass without any problem though Mersin customs”.
He went on adding that the Green Line Trade Regulation is in place for 15-29 products and added that the annual volume is worth 4.5 million Euro. Plastic products worth 1.5 million Euro and fresh fish worth 900,000 Euro are sold to the South. Construction material and waste products follow.
“Through the Green Line Regulation Trade, mainly industrial products are sold to the South. This is something we do not see with retail trade. The internal political activities in the South stir up psychological obstacles”, he said.
Adiloğlu also added that the Green Line Trade Regulation has become a routine, but the trade value does not reflect the potential. He added that some Greek Cypriots are looking for a way to bring raw materials across and begin production in the north. There has been some consultation with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce over the issue, said Adiloğlu.
Havadis
