Cyprus Partnership for Economic Growth

Prime Implementing Organization:
International Executive Service Corps

In December 2004, VEGA received an award from USAID for the Cyprus Partnership for Economic Growth (CPEG) program. The objective of the program is to support the US Government's facilitation of the reunification of the island by supporting economic growth in the Turkish Cypriot Community (TCC) and provide island-wide economic interaction. In Phase I of the program, three volunteers were deployed to assess opportunities for business development, specifically trade and investment linkages, marketing assistance and commercial banking and small and medium-sized business training. Phase II volunteers, to be deployed between January and March 2005, will implement activities recommended in Phase I.

The Phase I volunteers were successful in identifying four business service organizations (BSOs), two on each side of the island, and a local trading firm to assist with facilitating island wide trade linkages. The VEGA Marketing Expert identified short- and long-term marketing activities, specifically in the tourism sector. In the commercial banking sector, four training courses were designed of which two will take place in Phase II. In addition, a volunteer with expertise in quality awareness will be added to the team in order to improve the skills of Turkish Cypriot firms to meet international quality control standards. The Phase II activities are geared toward making both a quick impact in the community as well as establishing skill sets for long term success.

CYPEG received an extension of the current award through June 2005 to cover additional activities, specifically to include the Thirtieth Annual Cyprus International Trade Fair which takes place May 21-29, 2005 in Nicosia.

Further Information:
Cyprus Partnership for Economic Growth Program Brochure»

Related Links:
USAID Country Page