The Cypriot chamber of commerce yesterday launched a new project to promote dialogue and cooperation between civil society and business across the divide, paving the way for joint flea markets, internships and joint visits to Greece and Turkey.The project is titled ““Leading by Example: Engagement of TC and GC Business Leaders in Dialogue, Cooperation and Reconciliation” and will include an array of measures that include the creation of a common trading practice.

The project aims to bring in an era of Greek and Turkish ties in Cyprus with enterpreneurs leading the way through dialogue, cooperation and reconcilation to attract up to 250,000 euros worth of EU funding.

The project will include exchanging views on the economic benefits of finding a solution between the Chambers of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, and cross-community internships for young unemployed professionals.

The public outreach programme will include workshops, speaker events, book presentations, meetings with leaders and politicians to exchange information and opinions, as well as with representatives of various professions and NGOs in Cyprus.

Fikri Toros, head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce said that the project had emerged after the creation of the Malta Business Group that included the participation of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot businesspeople. “A peaceful, stable and prosperous future lies ahead of us. We endeavour to deliver in whatever way we can to attain a better future for the generations to come,” he said.

Phidias Pilides, President of the CCCI, noted that the project will include the implementation of a number of confidence building measures but also measures that will enhance further the business cooperation between the two communities and facilitate business and other exchanges

Michaela Di Bucci, head of the EU Commission Unit Task Force for the Cypriot Community, welcomed the initiative: “The project, being carried out by the two chambers, in our view will increase dialogue, trust and cooperation between the business communities throughout Cyprus.”