Ali Başman announces bid to lead Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is due to hold its ordinary general assembly in December. Başman, who has served on its assembly and board of directors for the past three terms, said he wanted to put his experience to work in a greater leadership role.
In a written statement announcing his bid, Başman said his years within the Chamber and as an executive at Başman Group had given him first-hand insight into the challenges facing businesses and the potential of the Turkish Cypriot economy.
He highlighted increasingly difficult access to finance, rising production costs and uncertainty holding back investment, saying small and medium-sized enterprises were struggling to stay afloat, exporters faced obstacles reaching overseas markets and young entrepreneurs were finding it difficult to build a future.
Başman pledged to work towards a more proactive Chamber that develops practical solutions, delivers results and gives its members a stronger voice in economic decision-making.
He said constructive dialogue with public authorities and civil society organisations would underpin his approach, alongside efforts to ensure that sound economic policies are implemented and followed through.
“Our goal is to increase production, investment, exports and employment,” he said.
His priorities include developing proposals to improve access to finance, strengthening business competitiveness and supporting digital and green transitions, working with stakeholders across the economy.
Başman also promised an inclusive administration representing businesses of all sizes, from family firms to larger companies, with women entrepreneurs and young investors having a place in the Chamber’s work.
Internationally, he said he would seek to build on the Chamber’s standing as a representative of the Turkish Cypriot business community, develop partnerships and help firms access new markets.
Describing his candidacy as a commitment to taking responsibility for the country’s economic future, Başman said: “We will think together. We will produce together. We will grow together.”
