Nothing will do more for bringing the island together than expanding trade and business links and providing the infrastructure to support them, said on Tuesday, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Colin Stewart.
In his keynote speech at the 18th Economist Summit, taking place in Nicosia, Stewart, referred to the importance of trade and business links between the two communities on the island towards reviving hope for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
From the United Nations’ perspective, he said, “the most crucial, and urgent, thing is to rebuild the links between the two sides, through active, regular interactions across all segments of society and all sectors of the economy”. If there is to be any hope of an eventual settlement, he added, “Cypriots need to start practicing living together – not separately – on the island again”.
He said that studies have shown that any interaction, even while shopping, “is better than no interaction”, adding that the most impactful type of interaction, is business and commerce. “Nothing brings people together more quickly and more strongly than economic interest. And nothing will do more to bring the island together than expanding trade and business links and providing the infrastructure to support them. This is the surest way to rehabilitating confidence in a settlement”, Stewart said.
“The dire economic situation is clearly not, as some people continue to believe, helping move the north towards a settlement”, he noted.
The Special Representative and Head of the UN’s peacekeeping and good offices missions in Cyprus, said however, that, business decisions “are not made on the basis of political considerations” but that “fortunately”, there were “good business reasons” for increased commerce between the two sides of the island.
“Cypriots are already voting with their feet and pocketbooks: both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot shoppers find certain goods cheaper or more attractive on the other side”, he said, adding that whether it is for disposable diapers or luxury brand items, filling one’s tank or buying furniture, “trends are showing that people are interested in what the other side has to offer”. He also said that the World Bank, “which supports the arguments I am making here today,” has found a number of products in which each side has a comparative advantage.
Stewart said he was working “intensively” with the lead representatives of the two leaders to complete a wide range of joint initiatives and confidence-building measures “that will not only benefit Cypriots across the island but will also lay an important foundation of goodwill for eventual settlement talks”.
In terms of economic initiatives, he said, they were working to expand trade through the Green Line Regulation, overcome banking transaction challenges, and ease congestion at the crossing points. “Although protectionist voices are the loudest, there is immediate mutual benefit in increasing trade,” he said.
Despite all odds, he added, they were making some notable progress. “At the current pace, official trade across the Green Line will double by the end of the year, including the first processed non-animal food products such as olive oil, tahini, and carob syrup”, he said, noting that the annual Green Line trade record has already been broken. Furthermore, he added, the crossing points are starting to become more efficient, “and it is my sincere hope that they will function more as a gateway to opportunity than as an obstacle to business”.
Stewart also referred to the impact of climate change that affects the island as a whole, and the preparation of a prefeasibility study on possible intra-island cooperation over waste management of electronic and electrical equipment. This initiative was spearheaded by the Technical Committee on Economic and Commercial Matters, with the support of the United Nations and the European Union, he said, “and shows a possible path for generating new revenues, potentially creating green jobs across the Green Line.”
He also referred to the work of the bicommunal technical committees established by the leaders of the two sides, saying they are currently working on some 20 other initiatives, large and small. “The work of these committees happens away from the limelight, but I can tell you that they are building a foundation of bicommunal achievements that will lay the groundwork for future settlement talks,” Stewart said.
He noted however, that the technical committees and confidence-building measures are neither a substitute for settlement talks nor a distraction from such talks, but were “the path towards talks.”
Stewart reiterated his “firm belief” that greater economic activity between the two sides of the island “makes good business sense”, it would have positive impact on the lives of Cypriots on both sides of the island and help lay the path towards a mutually agreeable settlement of the Cyprus Problem.
Ending his speech, he said, however, that there was “not much time”.
Source: Cyprus News Agency