The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) are actively promoting the expansion of opportunities in bicommunal trade. Both Chambers emphasize the need for new or improved checkpoints as a means to achieve this goal, as reported by the United Nations in Cyprus via a tweet. The update came following a meeting on Tuesday, which involved Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, and representatives from both Chambers. 

According to the UN, the primary focus of the discussion was the urgent necessity to strengthen economic and trade bonds among the two communities. This approach is seen as essential for preserving prospects for a future resolution. During the meeting, a friendly and constructive dialogue took place, centering on the creation of favorable conditions in order to facilitate increased commercial transactions within the island. Special attention was given to empowering the youth and simplifying the process of conducting entrepreneurial activities.  

Furthermore, the United Nations emphasized that heightened economic activity between the two sides fosters a positive business environment and holds the potential to positively impact the lives of people throughout the entire island. Specifically, the UN highlights both Chambers’ strong will to create additional opportunities in the commercial sector and explains that this can be achieved by establishing new or improved checkpoints.

Responding to queries from the Cyprus News Agency (KYPE), regarding discussions on opening new checkpoints, a reliable source clarified that such a topic is not presently under consideration by neither the Technical Committee -responsible for checkpoint openings- nor the negotiators involved. However, the source suggested that a discussion on the matter could be initiated if the recommendations and requests from both sides are taken into careful consideration.

It is worth noting that the Greek Cypriot side has consistently placed significant importance on the opening of checkpoints in Kokkina and Pyroi. In an official statement, KEVE emphasized that the meeting focused on matters related to economic and trade relations between the two communities as a means to maintain prospects for a future resolution.

Moreover, KEVE and KTTO, as the representative bodies for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot businesses, respectively, recognize that they can contribute to building trust between the two communities through the development of economic relations and trade.

Possible joint initiatives in the trade sector hold significant potential to foster more favorable conditions for the reunification of Cyprus. By promoting increased commercial interactions, both communities can develop a deeper understanding and trust, paving the way for better communication and cooperation. The establishment of robust trade networks and shared economic interests could help bridge the divide and create a sense of common purpose. This, in turn, could contribute to building a stronger foundation for dialogue.