LEFKOSA - The free passages that started between the two sides in Cyprus by the decision of TRNC cabinet, revived the TRNC economy.
More than 72,000 Greek Cypriots came to TRNC and made shopping since April 23 by when the border gates between the two sides were opened.
Greek Cypriots who were in Easter holiday purchased goods which were cheaper in TRNC, they rented cars, used taxis, had lunch and dinners in restaurants and visited entertainment places. Greek Cypriots who were very interested in casinos, probably spent 2.5 million U.S. dollars in TRNC.
According to official documents, a total of 72,373 Greek Cypriots crossed into TRNC with 11,774 cars from April 23 till midnight on April 28. Yesterday; 27,369 Greek Cypriots entered TRNC, breaking a record on daily basis.
TRNC Economy Minister Salih Cosar said that they started a serious study to regulate the free trade between TRNC and Greek Cypriot side and they sent a team to the Greek Cypriot side to make a research about this issue.
Cosar who informed the cabinet about the studies, said that the personal trade between the two sides had already started and that their aim was to liberate the trade between the two countries.
Travel agencies in TRNC were also pleased with free passages between TRNC and the Greek Cypriot side.
(ÖS-AÖ) 29.04.2003