FOR THE first time, a bi-communal business co-operation event will be held to promote communication between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the business sector today.
Dr Yiannis Laouris, who is organizing the event, yesterday told the Cyprus Mail that they had decided to include a combination of events in order to avoid antagonism and to promote initiative.
“We have had a very good response to our social society grouping from various associations, like the Teachers’ Association, who said our policy has given them a new outlook on how to interact with other associations,” said Laouris.
“We were also commended from UNOPS, who have now decided to use their funding with further co-operation.”
Laouris said the day would be divided into three events in the hope that the three different groups could benefit from each other. The first event ‘Intercultural Communication Initiative’ will be promoting UNOPS-sponsored workshops that will offer services to business people from the north and the south on how to move ahead.
“The second event is sponsored by a private company, Ekkotek,” said Laouris. He explained that the programme provided access to professional distance learning courses that focus on new company creation, joint ventures and incubation of new projects.
Ekkotek promotes micro businesses – businesses consisting of one or two people. It is known as the Medpride programme.
“There will be a talk given by the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce in the north showing their willingness to support as well as from the Management Centre in the orth,” said Laouris.
Finally, the third event will be an open discussion in order to reach a decision to create a Bicommunal Business Society. “We want to sign for the establishment and hope to receive funding from Europe,” said Laouris.
The main sponsor of the event is NGO HasNa Inc. from Washington, which has awarded a grant to the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute and its partners in the north.
“They have awarded us a grant for 18 months and provisions for three people to work together, Greek and Turkish Cypriots for this purpose,” said Laouris.
The event will take place today at the Classic Hotel from 9am.
Laouris said peace building was no easy task, but the commitment of thousands of visionary individuals had brought the Greek and Turkish Cypriots a long way. “It is our desire to take this communication a step further. In the spirit of reconciliation, we would like to invite serious entrepreneurs to economic co-operation and interaction.”
For more information call Dr Yiannis Laouris on 99-632122.
