KTTO visits Brussels prior to the relaunch of the reunification talks in Cyprus

A high-level delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) presided by Günay Çerkez, President of KTTO, visited Brussels during November 12-15, 2013, prior to the expected relaunch of UN brokered comprehensive settlement talks on the island. Fruitful meetings were held with Mr. Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, high level EU officials, Members of the European Parliament, Eurochambres and civil society representatives based in Brussels.

During its visit, the delegation conveyed the views and expectations of the business community in Northern Cyprus on the recent developments in Cyprus and in the wider region. The continuing commitment of the business community to a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem and KTTO’s readiness to contribute to such a solution is reiterated. The delegation also emphasised the important role of development of economic relations and rapprochement among the business communities of the region in contributing to the peace process.

Commenting on the delegation’s visit to Brussels, Günay Çerkez said “Recent developments in Cyprus and in the region present us with an unparalleled window of opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem once and for all. We should seize this opportunity; the discovery of gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean should serve as a catalyst. The continuation of the status quo is not benefiting either of the communities on the island where as the comprehensive settlement will bring considerable benefits to the island’s economy and the economy of the region as a whole. Therefore, we expect to see the re-launch and successful conclusion of the settlement talks without further delay. With the necessary political will, a comprehensive solution is possible before mid- 2014”, he added. “In a nutshell, these are the views we shared with our counterparts in the EU and we urged them to encourage the Greek Cypriot side to show the necessary political will and determination to reach a comprehensive settlement on the island”, he concluded.

What If..?

The two prominent business organizations in Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) and Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE), have taken the lead for preparing their respective communities for a solution on the island. As it was reported in the previous issue of this bulletin, a month ago, the two Chambers had released a joint declaration urging Cypriot leaders to resume negotiations and reach a settlement without further delay. The new initiative of the Chambers became a 10 minutes documentary, titled "What If", drawing attention to the economic benefits of a political settlement in Cyprus.

Featuring the Nobel winning Cypriot economist Dr.George Pissarides and a leading Turkish Cypriot academician Dr.Mustafa Besim of Eastern Mediterranean University, "What If" documentary movie was launched simultaneously at both Chambers on 28 November 2013. Prepared in Turkish, Greek and English, the short documentary features real life characters and respected economists aiming to create awareness on the economic development that will occur after a political settlement.
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KTTO participates in 2013 SME Assembly- "Encouraging Europe of Enterprise"

The 2013 SME Assembly which took place in Vilnius, Lithuania on 25-26 November, brought together small and medium enterprises (SMEs), business organizations, government officials, academia and media representatives to discuss how to encourage a Europe of Enterprise. Financing of enterprise, improving the business environment, internationalization and entrepreneurship were among the important issues discussed in the panels, workshops and policy sessions organized at the Assembly.

KTTO Board Member Salih Celiker and KTTO Brussels Representative Lale Shener participated in the Assembly. Commenting on the event, Celiker said “Identifying the problems faced by the SMEs in Europe and addressing them effectively is extremely crucial for the growth and competitiveness of the European economy. 99 percent of the businesses operating in Northern Cyprus are SMEs and they face similar problems like all SMEs in the rest of Europe. However, the continuing political problem in Cyprus and economic restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot economy complicate these problems even more. Access to finance and to international markets proves especially difficult, if not impossible, for our enterprises. Lack of full global economic integration makes access to finance very difficult and expensive". READ MORE

About Us

Established in 1958, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) is an internationally-recognized organization, representing the Turkish Cypriot business community at home and abroad. READ MORE

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