Provides references to the principal business associations, indicating which accept U.S. companies. Describes the primary roles of those associations and to what extent they influence government actions.

Republic of Cyprus:
 

U.S. companies with a presence in Cyprus, or who cover the Cyprus market from abroad, may join any of the following associations:

Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI):  The CCCI is the lead business association, conveying the views of the Greek Cypriot business community to the Executive and Legislative branches of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC).  Founded in 1927, it has more than 8,000 corporate members and is affiliated with more than 140 professional associations from the trade, industry, and services sectors.  The municipal chambers of Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Famagusta are also members of the CCCI.

American Chamber of Commerce Cyprus (AmCham):  AmCham Cyprus promotes business, economic trade, and cultural relations between the Republic of Cyprus(ROC) and the United States.  It advocates for a business-friendly environment in the ROC with a focus on the ease and cost of doing business.  A member of the CCCI and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, it represents prominent U.S. companies based in the ROC.  AmCham issues position papers on economic and investment issues, organizes business events, and lobbies the government on issues critical to its members. 

Cyprus Employers’ and Industrialists’ Federation (OEV):  OEV promotes the interests of its members, comprising of the largest employers and industrialists on the island.  It advocates for a favorable business environment.  It also aims to maintain equilibrium between the business community, trade unions, and other pressure groups in the ROC’s pluralistic decision-making system.

Cyprus International Businesses Association (CIBA):  Established in 1992, CIBA is a non-governmental independent association, financed by membership fees only.  It represents the interests of international businesses on the island, as well as their international shareholders, managers, and staff.  It lobbies local authorities on issues such as taxation, social insurance, and immigration, particularly in the context of the ROC’s EU membership. 

Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC):  The CSC is the trade association of the shipping industry in the ROC.  Established in 1989, it is comprised of all major ship owning, ship management, chartering, and shipping related companies based in Cyprus.  CSC member-companies and the wider shipping sector in Cyprus, collectively employ around 9,000 persons on-shore and more than 55,000 seafarers of various nationalities onboard their vessels.
 

Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots:


Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO):  KTTO was founded in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1958 and represents businesses in the
area administrated by Turkish Cypriots.  KTTO is recognized legally in the south because its establishment pre-dates the 1974 conflict.  Due to this unique status, KTTO assists in the implementation of the Green Line Trade Regulation and with implementing bicommunal business-related initiatives.  KTTO is a public law chamber and membership is obligatory for businesses in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. 

Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry (CTCI):  CTCI, established in 1977 as a non-governmental organization, works to assist the development of Turkish Cypriot industrial establishments, in order to expand the field of their activities and to increase their efficiency.  CTCI lobbies the Turkish Cypriot authorities for the development of business-related legislation, and protects the rights and interests of its members.

Turkish Cypriot Businessman’s Association (ISAD):  ISAD was established in 1993 and has members from all sectors of the business community.  Functioning as a think tank, ISAD regularly expresses views both in business-economic related matters in the area administrated by Turkish Cypriots, as well as views on politics and the Cyprus issue.  ISAD regularly promotes a free market economy and encourages transparency in governance. 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.