Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Nicosia Economic Forum convened in İstanbul. Business community representatives of the Turkish, Greek as well as Turkish and Greek Cypriots declared that they support the just and sustainable process towards a solution to the situation on the island. A list of various suggestions for turning the no-man’s-land between the two peoples on the island into a place to come together and co-exist was put forward at the end of the meeting.

The declaration was announced by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu during a press meeting attended by TRNC Chamber of Commerce Chairman Fikri Toros. Cyprus Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Phidias Pilides and the Hellenic Union of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chairman Constantine Michalos as well as many businessmen.

Hisarcıklıoğlu announced that they have decided to establish an arbitration center to solve the issues of the businessmen from the two sides of the island. Expressing that the arbitration experts of both sides will convene in Athens in 30 days to present an agreed upon text to the Forum there. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, in response to a question posed by a member of the press, stated that any trade disputes would be resolved , thereby increasing bilateral trade.

- Incubator for young entrepreneurs

Stating that an Incubator Center would be established to help young entrepreneurs of the two peoples grow, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Arbitration experts of both sides will convene in Athens in 30 days to present an agreed upon text to the Forum there.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they want to organize a Start-Up Weekend, reporting that a person from each has been selected to take charge of it.

“We will work to establish a Joint Natural Disaster Response Unit on the island. Due to lack of cooperation there are losses from both sides in the event of fires, floods and other natural disasters. In order to solidify the security of the island’s population, the Forum will blaze the trail for a Natural Disaster Response Unit. A feasibility study will be conducted to gauge joint investment opportunities.”

- Next Forum meeting to be held in Athens in December

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As members of the Forum we see these steps as just a beginning to strengthening the bonds between our peoples. The stability and prosperity of our region depends on the implementation of a sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue.

Whatever direction the political situation takes, the Forum will continue to work towards strengthening the environment of trust among the people of the island.

- Support of civil society to the process

Constantine Michalos, Chairman of the Hellenic Union of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry pointed out the importance of the incubation center and angel investors, as well as the importance of practical ideas and sustainable business ideas.

TRNC Chamber of Commerce Chairman Fikri Toros stated that they are providing support as NGOs and stressed that they want to increase the economic and cultural cooperation between the two peoples. Cyprus Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Phidias Pilides expressed his conviction that the arbitration center will play an important role in resolving disputes.

Following the meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Gaziantep Industry Chamber President Adil Konukoğlu treated the guests to baklava.