Kalimera Kypros!

CYPRUS is a perfect destination for weather-beaten travellers and disgruntled businessmen alike. The sun-kissed land with warm waves lapping at its white shores, the cosy look of whitewashed edifices, Byzantine architecture and gothic structures lend the place an earthy and welcome feel.

Not many are aware that though Cyprus sounds very `Greek,' its an independent country, with a great deal of Greek and Turkish influence. Strategically located, Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island. The torpedo shaped paradise is ideally located between three major continents - Asia, Africa and Europe.

And, warmer the climate, nicer the people! One visit to the country and you're likely to suspect that the people's attitude has an unexplainable correlation with the country's climate. Cyprus receives just about the right amount of sunshine round the year, the max being between 21-36 degrees Celsius.

The whiz biz country

Cyprus has an interesting ethnic heritage. Greeks make up the majority with Turks coming up next followed by American and other European nationalities. Business-wise too, its the idyllic place to be in. Interestingly, Cyprus is the third country in the world, after America and the UK to earn the highest per capita income through university degrees.

In comparison to India, Cyprus is the elusive Eldorado its been trying to benchmark against! The mortality rate, availability and affordability of luxury items, the doctor-patient ratio, the low inflation rate (4%) etc simply pitch the country's living standards higher than most other European countries. Of course, Cyprus is an island country and has a population just above 750,000...

Nicosia is the exotically titled capital and Limassol, the hub of industry and business. Although Cyprus is essentially a shipping nation, it is a bustling business centre as well. The work conditions are conducive and encourage maximum productivity, what with 17 public holidays and a three-week paid holiday every year!

On a serious note, the destination is worth considering - inexpensive food, neat and affordable accommodation, pleasant environs and excellent communication facilities. In fact, Cyprus ranks in the top 10 in the telecommunications sector and offers the best services in all modes of communication.

Reality bites!

Culture, religion and heritage play an important part in the people's lives. It's one reason why you should avoid ever bringing up the topic of Turkey during conversations. For, the rich cultural heritage apart, Cyprus has a deeper issue to contend with. The wealth, land and riches of the country are divided between Turk and Greek Cypriots. Needless to say, peace is a thin wire stretched to the limit.

Turkey invaded Cyprus again in 1970 and to-date retains a stronghold on northern Cyprus. Therefore if you're visiting Cyprus as a business visitor, confine your business affairs to one region only or you've had it!

However, if business requires you to travel to and fro between the north and the south, then exercise a little caution. The government in the south is rather strict and vigilant. Visitors intending to visit the northern half should make it a day-trip and carry no luggage. As the rules are stringent and the authorities strict, visitors returning beyond the prescribed time limit will probably be barred from entering southern Cyprus again!

All work

Fortunately, political tension does not seem to have affected civilian life much. People still make wine, sell the most delicious tropical fruit, and offer the best hospitality. Interestingly, one redeeming feature in both regions is the lamb or k|p kebabs, cooked in an open oven across street corners.

But let this not fool you into making business a pleasure jaunt! Cypriots are nippy and quite sharp when it comes to their work. Their business hours begin at 8 am and end by 5 pm, Monday to Friday. July and August are the hottest months during the year and business is usually slack at this time. Banks also have fewer functional hours, from 8.15 A.M to 12.30 P.M during this period. However, a few central banks operate during noon on weekdays with the exception of Tuesday.

To derive the maximum benefit, schedule your business visits between April - May and September - October. These are the ideal times to visit Cyprus as you're not infringing on their holiday season.

People talk

With easy accessibility, Cyprus is one of the mapped destinations. Apart from all the obvious advantages, what makes the stay worthwhile is the warmth and easy camaraderie of the people. Etiquette in southern Cyprus is much the same as in the rest of Europe. Although conventional modes of address are followed (Mr or Ms or Mrs), it's always better to ascertain how people would like to be addressed.

Getting around Cyprus either for business or pleasure is no problem. Transport is cheap and affordable. Public transport such as buses and trains are punctual. If you feel constrained by these, you can consider opting for taxis or even rent a car. Also unlike most other Mediterranean, Latin American or tropical countries, business in Cyprus is conducted on time and punctuality is appreciated.

Conventional business attire is preferable and expected. Likewise, business cards should be exchanged right at the outset. Language should be no problem as English is widely spoken.

A peek into the history of Cyprus will amaze you that after all the upheavals the country has been through, it still has the most stable economy and currency in the world. Cyprus boasts of a host of exotic invaders, from the Greeks, Achaens, Romans, Assyrians, Romans, Egyptians, Persian, the French and finally Turks! So, why do you wan to be left behind?

SAMYUKTA KODA