The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry criticized the attitude of the parliament against bills relating to the modernization of the state and the upgrading of the economy.

CCCI Chairman Phidias Pilides speaking this morning at a press conference stressed that economic growth will occur through simplifying procedures and cutting red tape in the public sector and through the modernization of laws in order to create a friendly business environment to attract investment.

"The parliament has an important role in this process, as there are bills which are stuck at the parliament and not being enacted" said Mr. Pilides.

He noted that while in theory all political parties agree with proposals for the modernization of the public sector, in practice there is a problem, especially once there are reactions by trade unions.

He added that "CCCI expects more from the parliament, as it is not yet up to standards appropriate for the country".

The Chamber’s proposals for government reform include the introduction of a new, fair evaluation system for public workers and the institution of interchangeability.

The CCCI called upon the Parliament to proceed directly to the adoption of these bills, which are considered necessary in order to increase the efficiency of the public service.

In the list of necessary actions, Mr. Pilides included solving the problem of NPLs and the immediate implementation of projects announced by the President of the Republic.

Smart-City conference for Famagusta

The CCCI announced that it is preparing a bi-communal conference, for the examination of ideas and ways that can make Famagusta «smart city», which is likely to be held in May.

The aim is to orgaise a high-level conference with the participation of prestigious companies such as Microsoft, with a bi-communal character under the aegis of President Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci.

President Anastasiades, as noted, is positive towards this idea while an answer by Mr. Akinci is expected soon.

Mr. Pilides added that there are already sponsors to finance this idea, referring particularly to Logicom company.

As regards the cost of a possible solution for the Cyprus problem, he noted that the amount will depend on the criteria governing the agreement.

Claims need to be limited

The CCCI officials expressed concern about recent workers' demands, urging them to limit their demands for wage increases and benefits restoration.

It was emphasized that the marginal recovery recorded, cannot currently support their full and immediate restoration.

The general secretary of the chamber Marios Tsiakkis noted that if in light of the exit from the memorandum, demands beyond the capabilities of the economy begin, their satisfaction is certain to bring a new reversal in a few years.

"This is something that we are worried about," he said calling for the implementation of relevant regulations before the closure of parliament in view of the elections.

Asked to comment on the effort to meet labor demands in order to avoid industrial crises and most recently the agreement with PASYDY that was announced yesterday by the Finance Minister, Mr. Pilides stressed that the CCCI disagrees with this practice.

With respect to privatization, the CCCI urged the government and political parties to take decisions to proceed with privatizations and to create the conditions that will allow the development of competition.