On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, we held the Annual General Assembly of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the NissiBlu Beach Resort in Ayia Napa. The event brought together government officials, local authorities, business leaders, and members of our Chamber to discuss both achievements and challenges for the region.
The Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr George Papanastasiou, highlighted the government’s initiatives to reduce energy costs, promote renewable energy, and support businesses. He also shared the strong results of this year’s tourism season in free Famagusta, with revenues reaching €2.5 billion by August and over 3.6 million visitors in the first nine months, reflecting a 10.3% increase compared to last year.
Mr Stavros Stavrou, President of KEVE, emphasised the resilience and growth potential of the region, pointing to sustainable development opportunities in green transport, agri-food innovation, and four-season tourism. Mr Dinos Toumazis, representing the Municipality of Famagusta, spoke about the creativity of Famagusta entrepreneurs despite the challenges of displacement, expressing his hope that future assemblies could take place within the city itself.
In my address as President of the Chamber, I underlined that, 51 years after the Turkish invasion, Famagusta remains forcibly disconnected from its lawful residents. The return of the enclosed city under UN administration is a non-negotiable right and a vital confidence-building measure. I also discussed current business challenges—including high energy and financing costs, inflation, and labour shortages—and proposed targeted measures to support SMEs, including fiscal and financial incentives. I highlighted tourism as a key pillar of the Cypriot economy and stressed the importance of removing urban planning distortions that hinder development. I also reviewed the Chamber’s work over the past year, including partnerships, consultations, and engagement with social and community issues.
The Chamber reaffirms its long-standing commitment to:
- Advocate for the return to Famagusta and all occupied territories, and for the restoration of refugee rights
- Promote policies that support entrepreneurship and regional development
- Remain actively engaged wherever decisions are made that affect the future of the Famagusta District
The Assembly was attended by MPs, mayors, deputy mayors, government officials, representatives of local organisations, business members, and partners, reflecting the importance of this event for both the economic and social life of our region.
