Cyprus Trade Links To Be Explored

Eight Belfast businesses are going to sunny Cyprus later this month to explore potential trade links.

The five-day mission, which starts on November 5th, will be the fifth such initiative organised by Belfast City Council to the Mediterranean island.

Councillor Michael Browne, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: "Since we first explored export opportunities with Cyprus back in 2004, more than 40 local businesses have succeeded in developing strong business links and securing contracts."

Michelle Lestas of Lestas Consulting said: "Since it joined the EU in May 2004, Cyprus has provided a great trading opportunity for Belfast companies.

"Like Northern Ireland, it is an island on the periphery of Europe with a strong economy and an additional trading market – the Middle East – on its doorstep.

"Cyprus provides Belfast companies with a stepping stone to international markets," he said.

A wide range of industry sectors including tourism, ICT, catering equipment, electronics, architectural services, construction, and food and beverage have all been involved in the successful Cypriot link to date.

This time the participants have been drawn from telecommunications; event and exhibition management; noise and acoustics consultancy; web design; recruitment solutions; security; finance; waste management, pollution consultants and consultancy services relating to EU Structural Funds and regional and local development.

(GK/JM)(BMcC)