14.09.2014 İstanbul
The Nicosia Economic Forum was held in İstanbul with TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu hosting the meeting. Representatives of the business communities of Turkey, Greece, TRNC and the Greek Cypriot have decided to establish an arbitration center. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed that the establishment of an arbitration center would facilitate the resolution of problems which could arise in regards to business matters, thereby increasing bilateral trade.
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.