EDGE COP Mark McCord in his opening speech

Trust is an essential element to any business deal. In Cyprus, building and maintaining the kind of trust that can promote business dealings between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots is complicated by a host of factors not least of which is the Green Line that divides them geographically and commercially. In an effort to build the relationships and the networks through which business can occur and eventually thrive, business people from different sectors and from both sides have begun a series of Business-to-Business meetings organized through the Cyprus Producers Network (CPN).

On-the-spot “deals” are not the objective of these meetings; rather, the meetings are designed to promote a better understanding of particular sectors and the firms operating within them. With proper planning, facilitation and follow up, these contacts should grow into potentially lucrative business interaction. The first meeting for the food and beverage sector on April 3 attracted over forty participants and will be followed by sessions for business people from the furniture; building materials; paper, plastics and chemicals; and information technology sectors.

Organized with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, these meetings are part of USAID-funded efforts to improve business interactions between the two communities. The CPN is supported by the UNDP Action for Cooperation and Trust program and the business-to-business meetings are facilitated by the Economic Growth and Development for Enterprises (EDGE) project. Like all U.S. government programs in Cyprus, these activities are aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through encouraging responsible and market-driven economic growth.

Intra Island Trade Statistics and Analysis [pdf-38k]