Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar urges investment boost as industry leaders call for concrete policy support

President Ersin Tatar highlighted the strategic and economic significance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for Turkey, stressing its maritime zones, continental shelf and security ties. Speaking at the TRNC Investment and Trade Opportunities Consultation held at the MÜSİAD Gaziantep branch, he promoted tourism, education and agriculture as key growth sectors and noted Turkey’s role in supporting water supply and broader development.

Ali Kamacıoğlu, head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry, urged all political parties to include specific industrial measures in their election programs. He pointed to the sector’s annual growth of 15‑20 % and a workforce of about 18 000, while calling for lower energy costs, sustainable incentives and new organized industrial zones in Alayköy (Nicosia) and Geçitkale (Famagusta). Kamacıoğlu also highlighted challenges such as high electricity prices, quality standards for imported goods, export barriers for halloumi cheese and limited trade under the Green Line agreement, emphasizing the need for targeted support to boost local production and competitiveness.