On the evening of Thursday, June 1, 2023 in Ayia Napa, the Official Dinner celebrating the anniversary of the 70 years of activity and contribution of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the business and economic events of Cyprus was crowned with great success.
During the Official Dinner, the timeless work carried out by the Famagusta Chamber since its establishment in 1952 was presented to all those who contributed to this work during its 70 years of life. The Famagusta Chamber, through its long history, not only kept alive despite the adversities and difficulties of the Turkish Invasion of 1974, but continued to play a catalytic role in supporting the business community in multiple ways. In addition, the Chamber promotes the development and well-being of the free province of Famagusta while at the same time being an important body of the national issue with a substantial contribution to maintaining both the ties of the new generations of Famagusta with the occupied City and the identity of Varosi.
After the invasion of 1974, the displaced city businessmen, carrying with them the experiences, skills and knowledge, re-entered into business in the temporarily settled provinces and in all sectors, flourishing, thus contributing greatly to thepost-war Economy miracle. The Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the only refugee Chamber of the place with its members active scattered in the free areas of Cyprus. 49 years the Chamber has been active outside its headquarters – proof that the vigor and zeal of the business world of Famagusta remain unchanged and alive. The Famagusta Chamber must stay and will remain alive.
The event was welcomed by the President of the House of Representatives Mrs. Annita Dimitriou who had placed the whole event under her auspices, the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Mr. Giorgos Papanastasiou, the President of the EBE Piraeus, Mr. Vasilios Korkidis and the President of the Famagusta Chamber, Mr. Augustinos Papathomas.
The Official Dinner was graced by the presence of the Minister of Defense Mr. Michalis Giorgallas, the Minister of Justice and Public Order Mrs. Anna Koukkidis – Prokopiou, the Deputy Minister of Shipping in addition to the President Mrs. Marina Hatzimanoli, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Kostas Koumis as well as other official guests. Among the MPs of Famagusta, the Mayor of Famagusta, Mayors and Mayors of the free province of Famagusta as well as businessmen, members, friends and associates of the Chamber of Famagusta.
In addition to the greetings, during the evening there was a screening of the historical review of the Chamber as well as statements and tributes to all the former Presidents of the Chamber. The event was concluded by an artistic program with the participation of Stella Georgiadou. The presenter was the journalist Mrs. Vivian Kanari.
The Chamber of Famagusta warmly thanks the Platinum Sponsor IRON FX and all the Silver Sponsors of the event: Mavroudis Global Transportation and Logistics Ltd., Salamis Organisation, Island Oil (Holdings< /em>) Ltd., Nissi Beach Resort, Atlas Pantou Co Ltd., CARAMONDANI BROS PLC LTD., TERRA NAVIS Ltd., FRP Advisory, Cyprus Shipowners Association, K. Kyhtreotis Holdings Public Ltd. and Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd.
< p>See photos from the event
Greetings of the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Mr George Papanastasiou at the dinner to celebrate the 70th anniversary of EBE Famagusta, at the Nissi hotel > Beach, in Ayia Napa, on Thursday June 1, 2023
Madam President of the House of Representatives,
Members of Parliament< /p>
Mr. President of the EBE Famagusta,
Friends and members of the Chamber of Famagusta,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is really with great pleasure that I am here tonight, to celebrate together the 70 years of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBE) of Famagusta. Since its foundation in 1952, Famagusta EBE has developed a rich history of service to businesses and the local community, playing a key role in promoting trade, industry and entrepreneurship in the region over the years.
Especially today, at a time when the Cypriot business is called upon to modernize, to become sustainable and competitive, the contribution of EBE Famagusta, with the actions and initiatives it undertakes for the benefit of its members, but also of your province in general, is highly appreciated important. We consider the constant communication of the State with the businesses of Famagusta to be equally crucial, in order to listen to the needs and concerns of the business world of your province and to promote targeted measures and solutions.
The main objective of our Ministry is, always in cooperation with you, the members of our business community, to create a new development model, based mainly on innovation and entrepreneurship. In this direction, at the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry we implement programs that, either directly or indirectly, strengthen Cypriot businesses, evaluating the key parameters that make up today's competitive environment and aiming to encourage entrepreneurship and business innovation, the development of manufacturing sector, the digitization of businesses and the promotion of the circular economy. It is worth noting that for the period 2021-2027 our Ministry has secured funds totaling approximately €500 million, for the implementation of various Grant Schemes.
In addition, to make sure that we will have the maximum utilization of the domestic Renewable Energy Sources, as well as the implementation of efficient Energy Saving measures, our Ministry has announced Grant Schemes aimed mainly at the energy upgrade of homes, with a total budget exceeding € 80 million for the years 2022-2023. In this context, approximately 1,000 residences in the Famagusta District have been energy upgraded in the last year. At the same time, we note with satisfaction that some of the Local Authorities of the free area of Famagusta have submitted proposals for inclusion in the Grants Scheme concerning the energy upgrade of their buildings and infrastructure.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ladies and gentlemen,
em>
I'm sure you've all noticed the efforts we're making as a Government to redefine our energy strategy, now focusing on reducing the cost of electricity for households and businesses. We are convinced that this is also the best way to practically support our trade and industry, since by reducing the operating costs of our businesses, we essentially support the country's competitiveness and, consequently, the sustainable and sustainable development of our economy.< /p>
To get the most benefit from this effort, our goal is to bring low-cost natural gas from the Eastern Mediterranean through a pipeline. This gas will be used in power generation and possibly for liquefaction and export.
At the same time, the Ministry, in cooperation again with our commercial and industrial world, makes every possible effort to support and encourage the export orientation of our businesses, their penetration into new markets and, in general, to increase the exports of Cypriot products and services . Among other things, we implement measures such as the participation with a Cypriot stand at international trade fairs, the organization of tasting events, the publication of articles and advertisements in specialized printed and electronic communication media, as well as the implementation of Sponsorship Schemes to enhance the participation of Cypriot businesses in exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad.
The completion of the establishment of the National Visual Identity of Cypriot Products (Products of Cyprus Branding) is also expected to give a significant impetus to efforts to strengthen the extroversion of Cypriot businesses.
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In addition to the above, in the context of promoting Cyprus as an international business center, business missions are organized in cooperation with the KEBE and the Commercial Centers of the Republic abroad, to markets that present the most favorable prospects for developing activities and strengthening partnerships. In particular, for 2023 business missions are planned to priority countries such as the USA, Great Britain, Austria, India and others. In fact, within this month, between June 20 and 23, I will lead a business mission to Kazakhstan.
Directly intertwined with the promotion of the internationalization of businesses is, finally, the operation in our Ministry of the Export Helpdesk, through which specialized assistance is provided to businesses wishing to internationalize their activity.
Dear. friends,
In closing, I would like to thank and congratulate the EBE Famagusta for its actions and actions as an agent of socio-economic development and prosperity, not only for your province but also for the whole of Cyprus. I invite you to continue your work with the same enthusiasm and efficiency, assuring you that the Government and our Ministry in particular, will be partners and helpers in your efforts, in every possible way.
Thank you.< /p>
Greetings of the President of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry
It is with great joy and emotion that I welcome you to the official dinner of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. , the Chamber has substantially contributed to the promotion of the interests of the business world. This event pays the smallest tribute to the work done by the Chamber since its establishment in 1952 to all those who have contributed to this work throughout its history.
The honored persons of the evening are the former Presidents and the members of the Board of Directors who managed to keep the Famagusta Chamber alive through so many difficulties. Allow me to mention the former Presidents by name: Stefanos Stefanou (1963), Xanthos Sarris (1964), Takis Kounnas (1965), Spyros Ioannou (1966 – 1967), Christodoulos Mavroudis (1968 – 1972), Takis Kounnas (1973), Fanos Epifaniou (1974 – 1984), Dimitrakis Ioannou (1984 – 1990), Takis Kyriakidis 1990 – 1996, Fotis Papathomas 1996 – 2002, Andreas Matsis 2002 – 2008, Loizos Siakallis 2008 – 2011, Giorgos Michaelidis 2011 – 2014, Giorgos Mavroudis 2014 – 2017.
From the connection of the Famagusta Trade and Industry Federation with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce in 1952 until 2022 our Chamber developed intense activity and contributed significantly to the development of trade and industry in Famagusta and in general to the local economy.
Despite the destruction and the painful consequences of the Turkish invasion in 1974, the commercial and industrial world of Famagusta, scattered in all parts of Free Cyprus, regroups and with admirable courage, with the only weapon the acquired skill and experience, reactivates and contributes to the well-known Post-war Economic Miracle.
The refugee Chamber of Famagusta is also following the developments. Almost immediately after the Invasion, it becomes active again and begins communicating with members. Far from its headquarters and occupied Famagusta, the Chamber develops an enviable activity. He actively participates in all the actions of the KEBE and works to solve the various problems of the refugees and non-members and to promote the development needs of the Free Province of Famagusta.
For 70 years, the Famagusta Chamber has been fighting to promote the interests of the business community and for the development of the province of Famagusta. Today, unfortunately, we are talking about the development of only the free province of Famagusta, i.e. approximately 15% of the province. Our members are located and active throughout Cyprus. We are trying to keep the Chamber alive, and especially now that the walled city of Famagusta is in danger of colonization.
With the aim of developing economic relations with other countries and expanding transactions in the fields of trade, industry and services as well as cultivating cultural relations, the Famagusta Chamber has concluded cooperation and twinning protocols with the following Chambers Abroad:< /p>
With the Commercial & Piraeus Chamber of Industry in 1971
With the Lesvos Chamber in 1999
With the Russian Taganrog Chamber of Commerce in 2000
With the Kastoria Chamber in 2000
On November 30, 2021, the Twinning Protocol Update was signed between the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of twinning. In the same context, on May 12, 2022, the First Famagusta Business Forum was co-organized by the two Chambers with great success at the Ayia Napa Marina, with the participation of many ministers and other Officials from Greece and Cyprus, while on June 20, 2022, our Chamber's office was inaugurated in Piraeus, the first Cypriot Chamber office abroad, kindly granted by the Piraeus Chamber (which is housed in the Piraeus EBE building)
Recently, the renewal of the Cooperation Protocol between TEPAK and the Chamber of Famagusta was signed, which covers areas such as the organization of joint scientific and educational events, cooperation in consulting services and studies, joint participation in research programs, placement of students in workplaces, as well as the operation of the “Free University” institution for matters of entrepreneurship, economy, innovative investments, circular/green economy. Finally, the investigation into the implementation of TEPAK's postgraduate program in the Free Province until 2024 was agreed upon.
The Free Province of Famagusta has offered the most to our country in the last 49 years, so it is important and fair that the Free Province and the lives of its residents develop uniformly and at the same pace as the other provinces. The state must provide incentives to create conditions for further development and investment attraction in Famagusta District. Appropriate infrastructures need to be created and incentives given, such as Urban planning incentives for the creation of special zones for the establishment of foreign and local businesses in our province, so that it does not rely almost exclusively on tourism.
As is known, there is great investment interest in the area, but developments are not progressing due to restrictions on environmental and other issues. We believe that solutions can be found by the authorities so that investments can proceed.
More needs to be done by the State to attract new investments in the health, education, high-tech sectors.
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It has been our personal vision for years to turn a part of the beach front into a Business Center.
Today the members of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry are located in the Free District of Famagusta, Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca. Our Chamber maintains an office in Paralimni, Limassol and Piraeus.
The role of the Famagusta Chamber is twofold since, in addition to the business and economic axis for the development of the free province of Famagusta, it is an important body for the national our issue by contributing significantly to maintaining the ties of the new generations of Famagusta residents with the occupied City.
We must preserve the memory of Famagusta. We have to keep the Varosians who are scattered all over Cyprus together. Especially the younger ones. Bodies such as the Famagusta Chamber but also the Municipality of Famagusta, the Nautical Club of Famagusta, Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, GSE, have the power and the obligation to help to keep the identity of the people of Varosio alive.
The Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry looks forward to the day of its return to the beloved city of Evagoras to contribute with all its strength to the work of reconstruction, progress and prosperity of its entire province and the country in general.
Thank you. warmly to all our sponsors but also to all of you who with your presence honor this important evening for the Chamber of our occupied City and the province of Famagusta.
Augustinos Papathomas
President
Famagusta Chamber of Commerce
