The USAID-funded Economic Development and Growth for Enterprises (EDGE) project has created an electronic Business Association Development Guidebook for use by organizations on both sides of Cyprus’ dividing Green Line.

The USAID-funded Economic Development and Growth for Enterprises (EDGE) project has created an electronic Business Association Development Guidebook for use by organizations on both sides of Cyprus’ dividing Green Line. The Guidebook was launched at a May 20 event at the J.W. Fulbright Center in Nicosia’s United Nations Buffer Zone. The event included representatives from Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot Chambers and business associations as well as U.S. Ambassador Frank Urbancic, USAID Representative Alan Davis and members of the Cypriot business community. “The Guidebook’s purpose is to provide practical information on international best practices for Cypriot business leaders,” said Mark McCord, EDGE’s Chief of Party. “It is provided on compact disc in order to provide flexible access to Chamber and business association staff members and volunteer leaders, as well as to provide dozens of examples from around the world.”

The Guidebook is part of a business association capacity building and technical assistance program that EDGE has been providing since 2007. Working with the Chambers and various business associations leaders, EDGE has introduced international best practices in areas of governance and communications, as well as assisted with the development of new programs and services that associations can in turn offer to their members. Additionally, EDGE has held several interactive workshops on topics such as public policy advocacy, communications, and the development of programs and services.

USAID Representative Alan Davis, in underscoring the strategic partnership with the chambers said, “It is important to recognize that the chambers are also contributing by playing an important role in creating awareness, promoting debate and dialogue, and fostering understanding on a wide range of issues.”

The Business Association Development Guidebook will be distributed island wide. Manthos Mavrommatis, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has lauded EDGE for the Guidebook’s creation. “This is very useful resource for associations of all sizes, from those that have no or few staff members to those that are relatively large. There is something here for everyone.” Sua Saracoglu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce agreed, stating that “The Guidebook is just another tool that EDGE has provided us that will build our capacity. We encourage all organizations to obtain a copy and utilize it fully.” Ali Cirali said that the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry is already implementing many of the concepts outlined in the guidebook. “With EDGE’s technical assistance over the past several years, we have become a stronger organization, implementing fee-based services and focusing on enhanced governance. We believe strongly that other organizations will benefit from the practical information contained in this Guidebook.”

“There is no doubt that cooperation between business support organizations such as Chambers of Commerce and trade associations will facilitate increased understanding and cooperation among the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities”, said Kathy Thompson, Managing Director for BearingPoint and EDGE’s first Chief of Party

The launch event concluded with a networking reception for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business and community leaders. “There is no doubt that cooperation between business support organizations such as Chambers of Commerce and trade associations will facilitate increased understanding and cooperation among the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities”, said Kathy Thompson, Managing Director for BearingPoint and EDGE’s first Chief of Party. USAID Representative Alan Davis, in underscoring the strategic partnership with the chambers said, “It is important to recognize that the chambers are also contributing by playing an important role in creating awareness, promoting debate and dialogue, and fostering understanding on a wide range of issues.”

In 2005, the USAID awarded a three-year contract to BearingPoint, Inc. in order to increase private sector development; this work continues under an additional award made in 2008. The EDGE project focuses on strengthening banking practices, building the capacity of business associations, facilitating trade, and promoting overall competitiveness. Like all U.S. government programs in Cyprus, EDGE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island through encouraging responsible and market-driven economic growth.