A first: North and South Cyprus side-by-side in Dubai trade fair

NEWS / TRNC

Cypriot businesses showed politicians how to overcome the obstacles on the island as they exhibit side-by-side for the first time at a major trade fair in the United Arab Emirates. Businesses from both North and South Cyprus were present on their respective stands for Gulfair 2014, which opened in Dubai yesterday and will run until 27 February. The TRNC stand is branded North Cyprus, while South Cyprus appears as Cyprus and includes the Republic of Cyprus flag.

Gulfair was launched over 25 years, and this year boasts over 4,500 exhibitors and 20,000 brands, making it one of the largest trade fairs in the region. It gives unparalleled access to businesses and governments involved in the food chain in Africa, South Asia, the Middle and Far East. 

North Cyprus’ stand has been organised by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KIBSO), supported by the TRNC’s Representative Office in Abu Dhabi. Turkish Cypriot brands that are exhibiting at Gulfair 2014 include: Helvasan, Meriç Dairy Products, Kırnı Piliçleri, Özlem, Reha, Buluç Milk, Koop Süt, Akgöl and Girne Con Coffee.

According to KIBSO spokesperson Hüseyin Ezgin, having a stand next to Greek Cypriots is a marked difference to what they experienced when North Cyprus first applied to exhibit eight years ago. At that time, Greek Cypriots lobbied Gulfair hard for Turkish Cypriots not to be present. Now, they can be seen to be cultivating business side-by-side, giving a positive signal about the prospects of peace in Cyprus. Ezgin described it as: “A pretty interesting opportunity”.