A new business initiative has been announced by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). Their joint project called “Setting an example” has been organised in an effort to aid reconciliation between business circles in both communities. The two chambers announced the start of their joint project at a press gathering being held at Chateau Status restaurant located in Nicosia’s buffer zone, ‘Kibris Postasi’ reports.
The project was created in order to support the effort of the Malta Business Leaders Group which was formed at a meeting by 10 months ago by 10 Turkish Cypriot and 10 Greek Cypriot businessmen. The project intends to form a general administrative body to work on identifying a joint market, evaluate business opportunities between Greece, Turkey, South and North Cyprus business circles, cross intern-ship opportunities, movement of commercial vehicles and visits to Turkey and Greece. Mobile phone agreements between both sides and car insurances are also on the agenda.
Speaking at the press conference the EU Commission’s Head of the Unit Task Force for the Turkish Cypriot Community, Michaela Di Bucci congratulated the two chambers for signing the protocol as this will increase trust between the two peoples on the island and strengthen cooperation.
The President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Fikri Toros said that the protocol signed between the two chambers was a great example of how an agreement must be reached in order to assist the comprehensive solution process on the island. “With the sustainability of the project that will last close to 2 years, we believe that a future can be built on the foundation of peace and security in Cyprus” said Toros.
The President of the Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Phidas Pilidas for his part informed the press of the telecommunications roaming agreement that takes place with the protocol and said that all technical problems regarding this issue have been overcome. He also said that the group that was formed in Malta will will meet in Istanbul with the Chambers of Commerce of Turkey and Greece on 14th September.
