The Annual General Meeting of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) took place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the event space of the Marina of Agia Napa.
Greetings were addressed by the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Giorgos Papanastasiou, the former President of KEBE, Mr. Christodoulos Agastiniotis, representing the President of KEBE, Mr. Stavros Stavrou, and the Mayor of Famagusta, Dr. Simos Ioannou.
The greetings were followed by the speech of the President of the Famagusta Chamber, Mr. Charalambos Manolis, who referred to the 50 years since the Turkish invasion, condemning the illegal actions of Turkey and the pseudo-state. He touched on issues such as the violation of international law, the usurpation policy against Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories and the aggressive plans of the occupying authorities to colonize the closed city of Famagusta. He called on the international community to take action for the return of Famagusta by implementing the UN resolutions, while emphasizing the need for an equal distribution of the burdens caused by the Turkish invasion and occupation.
Mr. Manolis briefly presented the current state of business in our country, mainly touching on the negative effects of inflation on businesses and consumers. In addition, he underlined the important contribution of the Famagusta District to the local economy, especially in the tourism sector, and referred to the multiple challenges facing the Famagusta District, listing the proposals of the business world to solve them. He then referred to the diverse action of the Chamber both for strengthening and supporting its members and for the development of Famagusta District.
Concluding, Mr. Manolis assured that the Famagusta Chamber will continue the fight for liberation and return to occupied Famagusta and reiterated its commitment to optimally serve its member companies and promote the progress and prosperity of Famagusta District.
At the end of it, an honorary plaque was awarded to Mr. Christos Fotiadis, Director of the Industry and Technology Service of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, given his long-term and valuable contribution to the business of our country, due to his retirement on November 1, 2024 after 44 years of service .
The Assembly was also honored with the presence of the members of parliament of Famagusta, Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Municipal Departments of the province, state officials, representatives of other local bodies, businessmen - members and friends and associates of the Chamber of Famagusta.