For the first time, the USAID-funded Economic Development and Growth for Enterprises (EDGE) program organized a course on banking basics for a group of thirteen newcomers to the banking profession. The course was designed to teach basic banking skills and was created in response to needs expressed by several local banks that lack the capacity to provide essential training to employees, especially at the beginning of their employment. Certificates of completion were presented to all the participants on June 26, 2008, by Acting USAID Representative Keith Simmons and the Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot Banks Association Halil Okur.  

This course, consistent with EDGE’s overall activities, was designed to improve the environment in which Turkish Cypriot businesses function. Like all U.S. Government programs in Cyprus, EDGE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through the adoption of sound business practices and responsible economic growth.